AFRICOM: US finally responds to Buhari’s request to shift its military base to Africa

The United States has responded to President Muhammadu Buhari’s request for the relocation of AFRICOM to Africa to assist Nigeria and other neighboring countries to combat worsening terrorism, banditry and other security crises.

The United States has said it has no immediate plan to relocate its Africa Command (AFRICOM) from its current base in Germany to Africa despite the worsening state of insecurity in the continent.

Recall that the Nigerian president made the plea in a virtual meeting with the US Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, on Tuesday, April 27.

AFRICOM is the US military headquarters that oversees its operations in Africa.

Reacting to President Buhari’s request on Thursday, May 6, the US government ruled out any plan to relocate AFRICOM from its current base in Germany to Nigeria or any part of Africa at the moment.

The United States Department of Defence’ Pentagon explained that previous studies have shown that the cost of relocating AFRICOM to Africa is very huge.

Nevertheless, the Pentagon said although it would continue to value Nigeria and other countries in Africa as important partners.

The spokesperson of the US Pentagon, Ms Cindi King, was quoted to have said:

“It would be inappropriate to speculate on any future actions. However, at this time, moving this headquarters (AFRICOM HQ) to Africa is not part of any plans, but USAFRICOM’s commitment to their mission, our African and other partners, remains as strong today as when we launched this command more than a decade ago.”

She added:

“We greatly value the partnership with Nigeria and appreciate President Buhari’s recognition of the United States’ positive contribution to African peace and security, as well as other regional partners that have made similar past pronouncements. The United States remains committed to continuing our close partnership with African countries and organisations to promote security and stability.”