Credit:   Africom / U.S. Africa Command (USAFRICOM)  headquarters, in Stuttgart, Germany 

By  Gary Raynaldo       DIPLOMATIC TIMES

U.S. Africa Command has launched a search for a new headquarters for its Germany-based unit either somewhere else in Europe or the United States as American troops pull out.  The move comes amid President Trump’s directive to drastically withdraw U.S. troops and resources from Germany-a key European ally. Defense Secretary Mark Esper announced this week that nearly 12,000 U.S. troops will pull out of Germany as soon as is feasible Trump has been pushing since 2018 for the U.S. to reduce its troop presence in Germany, saying Berlin wasn’t spending enough on defense. There are currently 1,200 military personnel assigned to AFRICOM headquarters. In response to the President’s direction, efforts are now underway to develop plans and options to relocate the Africa Command headquarters and forces from Germany, AFRICOM said in a statement Friday.  AFRICOM said the command will look first at options elsewhere in Europe, but also will consider options in the United States.

“U.S. Africa Command has been told to plan to move. While it will likely take several months to develop options, consider locations, and come to a decision, the command has started the process. We will ensure we continue to support our host nation and African partners and our families and forces throughout. We are very grateful to Germany for their partnership and serving as host to Headquarters U.S. Africa Command. International cooperation remains important to addressing mutual security challenges, especially in Africa.”

-U.S. Army Gen. Stephen Townsend, commander, U.S. Africa Command.

Credit: africom /  U.S. Army Gen. Stephen Townsend, commander, U.S. Africa Command, presents the oldest and youngest Soldiers in the command to commemorate the U.S. Army’s 245th birthday during a joint ceremony at Kelley Barracks in Stuttgart, Germany June 11, 2020. 

The command stood up in 2008 to protect and advance U.S. national interests in Africa and develop capable, professional partner nation military forces there and has been headquartered in Stuttgart, Germany since its inception.  AFRICOM is one of the eleven unified combatant commands of the United States Department of Defense, headquartered at Kelley Barracks, Stuttgart. It is responsible for U.S. military operations, including fighting regional conflicts and maintaining military relations with 53 African nations. Its area of responsibility covers all of Africa except Egypt, which is within the area of responsibility of the United States Central Command.