Africa Center for Strategic Studies Inaugurates Regional Office in Addis Ababa

October 26, 2006
No. 38/06

Addis Ababa (U.S. Embassy) -- October 26, 2006 marked the establishment of the first regional office of the Africa Center for Strategic Studies (ACSS) in the African continent. The Department of Defense’s Washington-based regional center inaugurated its office on the U.S. Embassy compound in Addis Ababa, in the presence of H.E. President Girma Wolde Giorgis of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia (FDRE), H.E. Ato Kassahun Dendir, State Minister of Defense, FDRE, Mr. Patrick Mazimhaka, Deputy Chairperson, Commission of the African Union (AU), the Honorable Vicki Huddleston, Chargé d’Affaires of the United States Embassy in Ethiopia, General Carlton W. Fulford Jr. (ret.), former Director of ACSS, Ambassador (ret.) Peter R. Chaveas, Acting Director, ACSS, and Major General Robertus C.M. Remkes, Director, Strategy, Policy and Assessments, of the U.S. European Command.  This regional office will allow the Africa Center to operate more effectively and support U.S. security interests in the region by strengthening relationships with governments, regional and sub-regional organizations, civil society, NGOs, U.S. missions in the sub-region, leading academic institutions, and Africa Center community (alumni) chapters.

The Africa Center for Strategic Studies supports U.S. policy by bringing civilian and military leaders together for informed debate on current security challenges facing Africa and the international community.

According to General Carlton W. Fulford, former ACSS Director, “This permanent presence will also serve to demonstrate our purpose and give Africans a sense of ownership of who we are and what we do. 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. 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.”

As the home of the African Union (AU) headquarters, Addis Ababa is an ideal location for the ACSS first regional office. Its proximity to other East African regional and sub-regional organizations and accessibility to main regional destinations were other important considerations for selecting Addis Ababa.  Initially staffed by four people, including two U.S. and two locally hired employees, the regional office will support U.S. goals and objectives relating to the AU and other regional organizations. In the near future, the Africa Center plans to open regional offices in West Africa, Southern Africa, and North Africa. 

For more information about the Africa Center, visit www.africacenter.org.

Africa Center for Strategic Studies Regional Center
c/o US Embassy, Addis Ababa, P.O. Box 1014
Tel: 251 11 517 4204 and 251 11 517 4203 

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