East African
Sunday, February 05, 2012
The recent rescue of two hostages in Somalia by US Special Forces
highlights the strategic significance of the American installation in
Djibouti, which is being touted as a model for future US bases in
Africa and elsewhere.Camp Lemonnier, established in 2003 as the home of the
Pentagon’s Combined Joint Task Force/Horn of Africa, was described by
US Defence Secretary Leon Panetta during a December visit to Djibouti
as “the central location for continuing the effort against terrorism.”
A
month later, the former French colonial base served as the launching
pad for the helicopter raid organised by the US Africa Command that
killed nine Somali pirates and freed their American and Danish captives.
The
success of that mission was hailed last week by Michele Flournoy, the
Defence undersecretary for policy. In a speech at a National Security
Symposium in Washington, Ms Flournoy suggested that Camp Lemonnier
exemplifies the new ways in which the US intends to project its power
around the world.
A
US military strategy for the coming years outlined recently by
President Barack Obama puts emphasis on developing “innovative,
low-cost and small-footprint” operations as Washington pursues “new
partnerships with a growing number of nations, including those in
Africa and Latin America.”
Instead
of mobilising massive military deployments such as those in Afghanistan
and Iraq, the Pentagon will seek to economise during the next decade
while still applying its muscle in support of American interests.
Development
of more bases similar to but perhaps smaller and less conspicuous than
Camp Lemonnier is consistent with the US objective of paring its
military budget but remaining capable of intervening quickly and
decisively throughout the developing world.
Camp Lemonnier’s growing prominence reflects its acquired role
as the de facto operational centre in Africa for Africom, the US
military command that is formally headquartered in Stuttgart, Germany.
Soon
after its launch five years ago, Africom undertook an embarrassingly
unsuccessful round of consultations with African leaders concerning
establishment of a permanent presence somewhere on the continent for
the new military command.
Liberia was the only black African country that publicly offered to host Africom.
It has since become clear, however, that Djibouti is willing to serve unofficially in that capacity.
Some
of the approximately 3,500 US personnel stationed at Camp Lemonnier
carry out civic-engagement missions similar to the “hearts and minds”
initiatives undertaken as part of the US war in Vietnam.
These
doctors, veterinarians and engineers regularly provide health services
and help improve local infrastructure in East Africa.
Last
month, for example a Combined Joint Task Force medical unit worked with
Tanzanian health personnel in delivering care to some 2,100 women and
children in and near Mtimbwani.
But
Camp Lemonnier’s primary purpose is to combat militants in much of
Africa that are judged to pose a threat to US interests and allies.At the same time, Africom is increasingly overseeing fighting forces
after having initially emphasised its “soft power” attributes.
Africom’s debut as a formidable military machine came when it directed
the US air war in Libya that proved instrumental in achieving regime
change there.
Djibouti, a country of less than a million inhabitants, has
given the United States the option to lease Camp Lemonnier until at
least 2020. Led by President Ismail Omar Guelleh, Djibouti’s government
welcomes the US military presence, which provides the poor country with
an important source of revenue. Djibouti is also closely allied with
Ethiopia, which ranks as a key US strategic partner in East Africa.
On
its part, the US is clearly content to do business with Djibouti, even
though the most recent State Department worldwide report on human
rights cited multiple abuses by the country’s authorities, including
corruption, prolonged detention, denial of fair trial, and restrictions
on free speech and labour unions.
For all its growing importance, Camp Lemonnier is not the only place in black Africa where the US conducts military operations.
The
Pentagon also flies drones from airfields in Ethiopia and the
Seychelles while assisting Amisom forces in carrying out drone
surveillance inside Somalia.