3D Security Initiative

The Department of Defense’s new Africa Command – AFRICOM – rightly recognizes that a secure, stable Africa is in U.S. interests. Yet it sets a distressing precedent for future “3D” inter-agency efforts under DOD rather than State Department control.

On October 1, the 3D Security Initiative convened a meeting in Washington, DC with African conflict prevention experts and a variety of NGOs to discuss the creation of AFRICOM and its implications for conflict prevention and peacebuilding NGOs.

Following further consultation directly with African conflict prevention NGOs, the 3D Security Initiative wrote the attached policy brief on Human Security Options for Africa and AFRICOM.

This policy brief outlines broad U.S. policy options for addressing the root causes of insecurity in Africa, with emphasis on the need for greater funding for USAID’s development programs and the State Department’s diplomatic efforts and infrastructure for conflict prevention in Africa.

The 3D Security Initiative is part of an active group in Congress made up of NGOs, DOD personnel and Congressional staffers that learns about and discusses AFRICOM's mission. In the coming months, we are planning further direct dialogues with the Department of Defense.

We welcome your feedback and comments on this policy brief.

Lisa Schirch