Africom commander meets govt leaders

Ward told a news conference held at the US Embassy that he is in the country to continue on building relationships and understanding regarding the establishment of the controversial African Command Centre. The Botswana trip is part of the continent-wide tour which includes US allies such as Cameroon, Ethiopia, and Gabon. However, Ward said no African government had yet agreed to host the command centre.

Ward said the Command Centre would strengthen Washington's present efforts in the continent. "We see this as an initiative that would coordinate, streamline and enhance the efforts that we are already engaged in. It won't be anything new but it would only help to put Africa's concerns up on the list of priorities than before when the continent did not have a dedicated command centre," he added.