The Africa Center, based in Washington, is one of five U.S. Department of Defense regional centers for security studies. It works in support of the U.S. Department of Defense and other U.S. agencies to counter ideological support of terrorism, foster regional collaboration and cooperation on security matters and strengthen defense establishments in Africa. It also works to promote long-term, mutually beneficial relationships between the United States and African nations through consultations and seminars.

The Addis Ababa annex’s primary function will be to enhance the Africa Center’s ability to conduct major programs throughout continent while reducing the need to use personnel from the United States, according to an August 1 Africa Center press release. Annex staff also will be responsible for coordinating programs with U.S. Embassies as well as hosting government officials and vendors.

“The Addis Ababa annex will … serve to demonstrate our purpose and give Africans a sense of ownership of who we are and what we do,” said General (retired) Carlton W. Fulford, the Africa Center’s director.

Addis Ababa, also the host city of the African Union (AU) headquarters, was chosen in large part for its close proximity to the headquarters of other east African regional and subregional organizations.

“The partnership multiplying power of this initiative is tremendous — not only will it bring the Africa Center closer to Africans from different spheres, but also to U.S. missions in the region,” Fulford said. “This expanded circle of influence will increase U.S. awareness of African priorities and concerns as well as provide a better understanding of U.S. policy to Africans.”

Some of the annex’s core functions will be strengthening relations with key leaders on the continent and enabling the Africa Center to advance its policy objectives as well as support African governments and subregional organizations in developing capacity.

Presence in Addis Ababa will also keep the Africa Center better informed of developing African security issues in order to ensure that its programs effectively address both U.S. and African concerns, the center’s press release said.

“Having a permanent presence on the continent will facilitate our access to key actors in the security arena. It will be an effective way to engage in continuous dialogue and exchanges with African leaders toward the resolution of security challenges,” Fulford noted.

The initiative is being coordinated by the U.S. Department of Defense along with the Combatant Commands and the U.S. Department of State. The projected annual budget for the annex is $700,000.

The Africa Center for Strategic Studies plans future annexes in West Africa, Southern Africa and North Africa.

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(The Washington File is a product of the Bureau of International Information Programs, U.S. Department of State. Web site: http://usinfo.state.gov)