Monrovia — President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf and United States Representative Patrick Kennedy are said to be spearheading a campaign that would influence the United States Government to consider Liberia to serve as host of the New Africa Command (AFRICOM's), Presidential Press Secretary Cyrus Badio has disclosed.
The new command's main mission in Africa would be to stabilize weak or poor countries by training the local security forces and providing humanitarian aid. AFRICOM's mission would encompass a bled of diplomacy, humanitarian aid and counter-terrorism operations on the continent.
Currently, the United States has contingents of its military forces command structure in Kenya and Djibouti with plans by the US Government to establish a permanent African command structure that would oversee the United States interest in Africa.
Recently, U.S. billionaire Robert Johnson suggested that the Bush administration could display its confidence in Liberia's future by locating the New African Command in Liberia, noting that few countries are as Pro-America as Liberia, and it was a staunch U.S. ally during World War II and the cold war.
Billionaire Johnson indicated that the placement of a U.S. military command in Africa was overdue, and Liberia, with its strategic coastal location in West Africa, was well suited to serve as a host
The latest Campaign, which is being supported by the government of President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, has received backing from the influential U.S Representative Patrick Kennedy of Rhode Island who argues that Liberia must play a part.
According to the Executive Mansion weekly briefings, Rep. Kennedy is pressing to convince US Government officials that Liberia should have a stake in the deliberations, noting that the Rhode Island Representative has already begun underground lobbies to ensure that Liberia hosts part of the New US Command.
Rep. Kennedy, however, acknowledged that Liberia's lack of infrastructure and war devastation, which has destroyed much of the country's beauty, could be an impediment to a U.S. footprint in the country.
Although, the U.S. Representative acknowledged infrastructure problems in the country, he argued that attracting the US military to Liberia could serve as an impetus to stabilize the country after years of civil wars.
Rep. Patrick Kennedy emphasized: "Liberia could become an ever stronger ally in the region." Implying that it would be prudent and gainful for development and stability if Liberia receives the right to hosts part of the New U.S. Command.
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In furtherance of this campaign, Representative Patrick Kennedy, and Freshman Senator Sheldon Whitehouse are planning a trip to Liberia in continuation of the privilege to hosts the new African Command.
In other briefings, the Executive Mansion has announced that it is encouraged by the fact that more than 105,000 Liberians have returned home voluntarily.
The Executive Mansion said it salutes the United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) for helping to repatriate Liberians back home.
The Executive Branch is meanwhile encouraging the returnees to join the reconstruction process of their devastated country as together they can strive to uplift the country from the ashes of death and destruction.
