Considered at "initial operating capacity" on Oct. 1, 2007, U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) has ambitious goals: improving security mechanisms, setting up accountable governance, and working with African states and regional organizations to deter aggression and respond to crises. But establishing a continental presence in Africa and selecting a regional headquarters has proven to be a challenging feat. In this report, Straus Military Reform Project Research Assistant Valerie Reed provides an overview of the goals, timelines and criticisms in determining a headquarters for AFRICOM: what questions remain, what setbacks have already been encountered and most importantly, how African states have responded to the announcement of AFRICOM and the prospects for their cooperation.

Click here to read "A Big Image Problem Down There": Prospects for an African Headquarters for AFRICOM.