By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. View our Cookie Policy for more information.

Statements & Press Releases

US acceleration of military activity in Africa must be halted and justice restored: CAGE Africa

Audio

Johannesburg – The announcement by the United States of a further $60 million to establish a new UN-backed joint anti-terrorism force in five countries in Africa, will only increase the likelihood of blowback, and must be halted and justice restored, says CAGE Africa.

The joint force, which will be made up of 5,000 soldiers and police officers, will consist of recruits from Burkina Faso, Chad, Mali, Mauritania and Niger.

It received UN approval last year, but it is uncertain how the $500 million annual cost will be financed. The European Union has donated $58 million. The US announcement still awaits congressional approval, but has been warmly welcomed by France.

The joint force will certainly further destabilise the region. It will work alongside the current United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali, known as Minusma, which has been documented to arbitrarily detain and torture local civilians and worsen tensions.

Feroze Boda from CAGE Africa, said:

“The announcement is part of an acceleration of US military activity across the continent. Recent reports show that US troops are now conducting 3,500 exercises, programs, and engagements per year, an average of nearly 10 missions per day in Africa, a 1,900% increase over just less than a decade. This is nothing short of a silent but sustained war, which impacts civilians and encourages individuals to join violent groups.”

“A UN report cited that 83% of young men who had previously joined armed groups had done so because armed groups provided employment and security. This shows that conflict arises in regions where there is insecurity and a broken economy, both of which are effects of military acceleration.”

“It is well documented that counter-terrorism forces in Africa commit widespread human rights abuses and target Muslim communities. CAGE Africa calls for the withdrawal of US troops and UN-backed troops, full accountability for all abuses committed under the ‘War on Terror’ and a negotiated end to hostilities.”

[End]

CC image courtesy of History in HD on Unsplash

Johannesburg – The <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2017/10/30/world/africa/sahel-force-united-nations.html">announcement</a> by the United States of a further $60 million to establish a new UN-backed joint anti-terrorism force in five countries in Africa, will only increase the likelihood of blowback, and must be halted and justice restored, says CAGE Africa. The joint force, which will be made up of 5,000 soldiers and police officers, will consist of recruits from Burkina Faso, Chad, Mali, Mauritania and Niger. It received UN approval last year, but it is uncertain how the $500 million annual cost will be financed. The European Union has donated $58 million. The US announcement still awaits congressional approval, but has been warmly welcomed by France. The joint force will certainly further destabilise the region. It will work alongside the current United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali, known as Minusma, which has been <a href="https://www.hrw.org/news/2016/02/19/mali-abuses-spread-south">documented</a> to arbitrarily detain and torture local civilians and worsen tensions. Feroze Boda from CAGE Africa, said: “The announcement is part of an acceleration of US military activity across the continent. Recent <a href="https://news.vice.com/story/us-military-secret-missions-africa">reports</a> show that US troops are now conducting 3,500 exercises, programs, and engagements per year, an average of nearly 10 missions per day in Africa, a 1,900% increase over just less than a decade. This is nothing short of a silent but sustained war, which impacts civilians and encourages individuals to join violent groups.” “A <a href="http://journey-to-extremism.undp.org/en/findings">UN report </a>cited that 83% of young men who had previously joined armed groups had done so because armed groups provided employment and security. This shows that conflict arises in regions where there is insecurity and a broken economy, both of which are effects of military acceleration.” “It is well documented that counter-terrorism forces in Africa commit widespread human rights abuses and target Muslim communities. CAGE Africa calls for the withdrawal of US troops and UN-backed troops, full accountability for all abuses committed under the ‘War on Terror’ and a negotiated end to hostilities.” [End]   CC image courtesy of <a class="_3XzpS _1ByhS _4kjHg _1O9Y0 _3l__V _1CBrG xLon9" href="https://unsplash.com/@historyhd">History in HD</a> on Unsplash

Download FileS

Download Files

No items found.

Relevant Posts

US acceleration of military activity in Africa must be halted and justice restored: CAGE Africa

Statements & Press Releases

US acceleration of military activity in Africa must be halted and justice restored: CAGE Africa

Statements & Press Releases

About

CAGE International is an independent advocacy organisation that aspires to a just world. We challenge War on Terror inspired state oppression and empower communities to dismantle the discourses and policies of the global War on Terror.

Premier Business Centre 47-49 Park Royal Road London NW10 7LQ United Kingdom

Helpline: 03000302243
Office: 02073776700
General email: contact@cage.ngo
Media enquiries: press@cage.ngo

2025

US acceleration of military activity in Africa must be halted and justice restored: CAGE Africa

Download Files

Newletter

Relevant Posts

Ceasefire Signals the Start of Israel’s Collapse

ICJ’s Order for Israel to prevent acts of 'Genocide' highlights the complicity of Politicians and Journalists

A ‘Systemic failure’ underlines impunity 20 years after Iraq War

A ‘Systemic failure’ underlines impunity 20 years after Iraq War