POLITICS: PENTAGON USES NEW MILITARY POST TO KEEP EYE ON AFRICA.

by Jim Lobe

WASHINGTON, Jan. 31, 2007 (IPS/GIN) -- For the first time in its history, Africa is poised to get its own U.S. military command.

The advent of "AFRICOM," which will be heralded next week when President George W. Bush submits his 2008 budget request to Congress, official acknowledges that a variety of ostensible threats in Africa require more sustained, high-level attention by the Pentagon.

Of particular concern are Africa's role in the "global war on terror" (which Pentagon sources refer to as "the long war"); the growing importance of the region's natural resources, especially oil and gas, to the world economy; and increased competition with China, among other countries, for those resources.

West Africa currently provides nearly 20 percent of the U.S. supply of hydrocarbons, up from 15 percent just five years ago and well on the way to a 25-percent share forecast for 2015.

Africa has been parceled out between three U.S. regional commands. The European Command (EUCOM) -- which covers all of Russia, the Caucasus, Turkey as well as the rest of Europe,-- also includes North Africa west of Egypt and all of west, central, and continental southern Africa.

The Central Command (CENTCOM), which covers central Asia and the Middle East, also includes Egypt, Sudan and the Horn of Africa. Finally, the Pacific Command (PACOM) covers the African islands of the Indian Ocean, including Madagascar, as well as all of Asia and the Pacific.