July, 16 2010, 10:38am EDT
Africa Action Addresses Deaths in Uganda and the Flawed War on Terror and Africa
WASHINGTON
Today,
President Obama announced that the U.S. will "redouble U.S. support for
Africa against terror" after twin bombs exploded in two different areas
of Kampala, Uganda on Sunday, killing a total of 76 civilians. In
response to his speech, Africa Action warns that, as the U.S. pursues
its so-called "war on terror," a greater investment in military
solutions would be a grave mistake.
Instead of sending increased military support, Africa Action calls on
the U.S. to fulfill its commitment to reassess the current war on
terror. In doing so, President Obama must address the resentment and
perception that it is based on short-term strategic objectives, rather
than a people-centered security strategy.
Gerald LeMelle, Executive Director of Africa Action said today, "For
years, U.S. military support has failed to bring real security to
African people." He adds, "In fact, U.S. military
action against terrorism appears to encourage authoritarian repression
and deal-making at the highest-level. President Obama will need to
address the resentment building on the ground that innocent civilians
are now being targets in a war they did not vote for."
Africa Action notes that in 2006, the U.S.-backed Ethiopian invasion of
Somalia spurred even greater resentment among the people and forced
millions of Somalis into deeper levels of poverty. Today, the U.S.
continues to support the unpopular and ineffective Transitional Federal
Government (TFG) in Somalia, including $200 million to the TFG to
finance weapons purchases, despite its well-recognized inability to
stabilize the country.
Michael Stulman, associate director for policy and communications said
today, "It's unclear how even greater financial support to the
TFG would achieve anything more than death, destruction and a greater
resentment on the ground. President Obama should explain what the
long-term consequences of this U.S. policy will be."
For more information and analysis, read the2010 Africa Policy Outlook.
To arrange an interview with an expert at Africa Action, e-mail michael.Stulman@africaaction.org
and we will return your inquiry as soon as possible.
Africa Action is a national organization that works for political, economic and social justice in Africa. Through the provision of accessible information and analysis combined with the mobilization of public pressure we work to change the policies and policy-making processes of U.S. and multinational institutions toward Africa. The work of Africa Action is grounded in the history and purpose of its predecessor organizations, the American Committee on Africa (ACOA), The Africa Fund, and the Africa Policy Information Center (APIC), which have fought for freedom and justice in Africa since 1953. Continuing this tradition, Africa Action seeks to re-shape U.S. policy toward African countries.
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