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Campaign: Facebook used to “Stop AFRICOM”
Written by Talia Whyte on October 1, 2008 – 4:00 am -
Description: The headquarters for the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM) became fully activated yesterday in Stuttgart, Germany. Under the command of the U.S. Department of Defense, AFRICOM serves the military arm for all of Africa except Egypt. However, AFRICOM has met with strong resistance from the worldwide African Diaspora who feel that the United States is not only exploiting the continent for its natural and human resources in a new form of
colonialism, but it is also militarizing and forcing Africa in the War on Terror with the help of oil companies and military contractors. Activists are now planning protests around the world to showcase resistance to AFRICOM.
What Are They Doing: “STOP AFRICOM” is a loosely-formed international grassroots organization using Facebook to galvanize interest in a mass protest planned for October 27. On their Facebook page, users can also read the latest articles and commentary about AFRICOM, as well as purchase “STOP AFRICOM” T-shirts.
“The principles of imperialism on which AFRICOM stands are unmistakable,” said organizer Tsetsi Kgama in a recent Facebook message. “With a history marked by the traumas of slavery and colonialism, Africa deserves a foreign policy that respects self-determination and self-governance. Now is the time to dismantle AFRICOM and to condemn U.S. military presence in Africa.”
Tags: AFRICOM
Posted in Americas, Campaigns, Mid-East & N. Africa, Social Networks, Sub-Saharan Africa | 2 Comments »
2 Responses to “Campaign: Facebook used to “Stop AFRICOM””
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By Tony on Oct 1, 2008 | Reply
Tsetsi Kgama demonstrates a lack of understanding and downright ignorance with his comment. Prior to US Africa Command, the US military had three commands that dealt with Africa: US Central Command, US Pacific Command, and US European Command. Militarization of the continent? Get real! US AFRICOM will continue to work through existing military cooperation that demonstrates CIVILIAN control of the military. The desire is to help Africans help themselves…why can’t you see that?