    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2007, Book I)]
    [February 6, 2007]
    [Pages 108-109]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Statement on the Creation of the Department of Defense Unified Combatant
    Command for Africa
    February 6, 2007

        Today I am pleased to announce my decision to create a Department of
    Defense Unified Combatant Command for Africa. I have directed the
    Secretary of Defense to stand up U.S. Africa
    Command by the end of fiscal year 2008.
        This new command will strengthen our security cooperation with
    Africa and create new opportunities to bolster the capabilities of our
    partners in Africa. Africa Command will enhance our efforts to bring
    peace and security to the people of Africa and promote our common goals
    of development, health, education, democracy, and economic growth in
    Africa.
        We will be consulting with African leaders to seek their thoughts on
    how Africa Command can respond to security challenges and opportunities
    in Africa. We will also work closely with our African partners to
    determine an appropriate location for the new command in Africa.

    Note: The statement referred to Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates.

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