[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 43, Number 6 (Monday, February 12, 2007)]
[Page 128]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
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: In his statement, the President referred to Secretary of Defense 
Robert M. Gates.