战略与国际研究中心-Africa-Notes_-US-Military-Assistance-to-Africa_8页_1mb

U.S. Military Assistance to Africa: A Summary

Core Content

This document provides an in-depth analysis of the U.S. military assistance programs to Africa, focusing on the rationale, scope, and implications of such aid. It outlines the historical context, the various forms of military aid, and the strategic and political considerations that guide U.S. policy in this region.

Main Points and Key Information

U.S. Military Assistance Programs

The U.S. military assistance to Africa is conducted through several formal and informal channels, including:

• Grant Military Assistance (MAP): The oldest segment of the program, initially aimed at countering the Soviet threat in the 1940s.
• Foreign Military Sales (FMS): Direct and guaranteed loans for U.S. arms purchases, financed through the Federal Financing Bank.
• Military Education and Training (IMET): Training opportunities for foreign military personnel in the U.S. and support for training centers abroad.
• Economic Support Fund (ESF): Provides grants and loans to "proven friends" for budgetary or security needs.
• Peacekeeping Operations (PK): Supports international peacekeeping efforts, such as those in Lebanon and Cyprus.

Strategic Rationale

The U.S. rationale for arms transfers to Africa is multifaceted, including:

• Military: Enhancing the preparedness and capabilities of allies and friends.
• Political: Strengthening alliances, maintaining influence, and supporting stable power balances.
• Economic: Improving the U.S. balance of payments, supporting domestic employment, and reducing the cost of military equipment.

Regional Priorities

• North Africa: Focus is on countering Libyan "adventurism" and maintaining access to strategic facilities.
• Sub-Saharan Africa: Emphasis is on border patrol and self-defense capabilities, with a focus on "stabilization" efforts in countries like Chad and Zaire.

Funding Trends

• U.S. military aid to sub-Saharan Africa decreased significantly from FY 1986 to FY 1987, reflecting a lower strategic priority compared to other regions.
• In FY 1988, the administration requested $9.46 billion for security assistance, with economic aid at $5.75 billion.
• The U.S. aid to Africa is often a small portion of the global program, with most funds directed to key allies like Egypt and Israel.

Anomalies in the Program

• Non-lethal Equipment Dominance: The U.S. tends to supply non-lethal items such as transport, communications, and training rather than high-cost, advanced weaponry.
• Limited U.S. Role: While the U.S. is a major supplier, other countries like France and the Soviet Union also play significant roles, particularly in North Africa.
• Liberia Case: Despite repeated human rights violations, the U.S. continues to provide military aid to Liberia due to economic interests, historic ties, and strategic concerns about Libyan influence.

Planning and Budgeting Process

• The U.S. follows a multi-year planning cycle for military aid, involving country teams, executive review, congressional hearings, and final approval.
• The process includes threat analysis, financial viability, and military capability assessments.
• Budget cuts and reprogramming often result in lower-priority allocations for African countries, with major recipients typically being Israel and Egypt.

Conclusion

The U.S. military assistance to Africa is a complex and strategic initiative, aimed at bolstering security, political stability, and economic interests. While the program has evolved over time, it remains primarily focused on key allies and regions with strategic importance, such as the Horn of Africa and North Africa. The shift from FMS to MAP reflects a response to financial and geopolitical challenges, and the program continues to face scrutiny due to its implications for African military spending and political dynamics.