Columbia International Affairs Online: Policy Briefs

CIAO DATE: 05/2010

U.S. Security Engagement in Africa

William M. Bellamy

June 2009

Africa Center for Strategic Studies

Abstract

A significant development in Africa over the past decade has been the generalized lessening of violent conflict. Revitalized, expanded international peacekeeping, bolstered by a newly launched African Union (AU) determination to tackle security challenges, has reinforced this trend. But, much more cohesive interagency coordination under strong White House direction is required if the United States is to contribute to Africa's sustained stability given the region's persistent conditions of poverty, inequality, and weak governance.