So how did this Operation Come into being? Operation African
Voice Emerged from a Program that was initiated by EUCOM (European Command). It was revealed to Congress during Testimony
by General Charles Wald then the Deputy Commander in 2006.
One of the Initiatives that was mentioned during the Testimony was the use
of Internet to distribute Information to counter that being released by Extremist Groups in the Mahgreb region (Algeria, Morrocco,
and Tunisia). The Said named site Magharebia Posts information six days a week in English, French and Arabic.
Another Goal of this site is to promote accurate, balanced and forward looking
coverage of events occuring in the region. It uses information from International Media Outlets and from paid correspondents
and analysists in the region as well.
But One can ask is this going far enough?
AFRICOM has a New Program to Counter Extremism in Africa. Will It
work?
There are two other regions where such an effort probably should
be attempted as well. (This is using the Logic within the Pentagon).
The First is in the Sahel Region. This area comprises Mali, Mauritania and
Niger. Extremists have been also active in this region as well. There have been Kidnappings in Niger and Extremism played
a role in the Military Coup that took place in Mauritania in 2008.
The Second is in the Horn of Africa. We have heard in the Past about how
the Islamists in Somalia have been recruiting Members in both the United States and Britain. Piracy remains a concern in the
region as well. There is also some growing Instability in Ethiopia as well. So why the Intel staff in Stuttgart hasn't developed
a program for this area is mind boggling.
A Third Area that could benefit from this could be the Great Lakes Region.
The Area is rift with Militia Elements from various Groups. Recently AFRICOM provided Logistical support for the Multi-National
Effort to rein in the Lord's Resistance Army Operating in the Garamba National Forest which lies in the Northeastern Democratic
Republic of the Congo.
This is an Area that badly needs any positive development.
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