By: Ollus Ndomu
Over the past few weeks, the Zambian government has been criticized for its decision to hold an office for the U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM). AFRICOM is a unified combatant command of the United States of America (USA) Department of Defence headquartered at Kelley Barracks in Stuttgart, Germany.
AFRICOM is infamous for its involvement in the 2011 military intervention in Libya which killed President Maurmar Gaddafi.
Zambians continue opposed to AFRICOM’s office in Lusaka based on the command’s intervention and intrusion in Africa’s regional conflicts and politics.
On April 26, 2022, AFRICOM deputy director for strategy, engagement and programmes Brigadier General Peter Bailey met with Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema at State House, and through the US Embassy’s information assistant Mathews Mumbi, issued a statement saying the US AFRICOM will open an office of security cooperation at the US embassy in Lusaka.
According to the statement, the new office of security cooperation would enhance military to military relations and expand areas of cooperation in force management, modernisation and professional military education for the Zambian security forces.
Given the building up local and regional rift, it is imperative for the Zambian government to consult more on the establishment of AFRICOM office. While the office may be located in Zambia, operations of AFRICOM may jeopardize state relations and breed conflicts across the now peaceful SADC region. Already, Zimbabwe, Namibia and Botswana have raised eyebrows on Zambia’s decision. It’s time Zambia went back to the drawing board and rethink.
