U.S. Africa Command's civilian deputy praised the accomplishments of the African Union in promoting peace and stability during a media interview at the African Union Headquarters in Addis Ababa, March 25, 2009.

Following meetings with African Union Commission chairperson Jean Ping and African Union officials to discuss cooperation in addressing African security concerns, Ambassador Mary Yates, U.S. AFRICOM's deputy to the commander for civil military affairs, sat down with two reporters from Voice of America, answering questions regarding U.S. Africa Command's mission, structure, and programs.

Emphasizing the developing partnership between U.S. Africa Command and the African Union, Yates said, "I'm proud of what the AU has accomplished in seven years. And that's why I'm so happy that the Africa Command wants to partner with the African Union in any way that we can."

"We are here to listen to the African Union and the steps they're taking."

She spoke of the progress made in Africa over the last decade, citing positive trends such as the rise of representative governments in African nations and economic growth.

"Once economic growth in a country gets over a certain percentile--whether it's four or five percent--then the country's engine begins to take off."

While U.S. Africa Command does not play a direct role in the economic or political development of African nations, it supports the policy objectives of the Department of State by providing military support when directed. The command, which is comprised of both civilian and military employees, employs a "holistic approach" to address challenges in Africa, working with a variety of government organizations to ensure synchronization in their efforts to meet common goals.

"The problems on the continent are not merely ones that need to be addressed by military, State Department, USAID, or Peace Corps, or FBI or DEA. We must all work together, so we're aware of the programs that each is doing."

Asked about African perceptions of U.S. Africa Command, Yates expressed hope that the command's programs and activities will speak for themselves and alleviate any doubt or suspicion about the command's intentions.

"I think that our actions will prove the sincerity of the mission of the U.S. Africa Command. And the three words in the mission statement--"Sustained security engagement"--are the bottom line of the command."

For the complete transcript of Yates's interview, visit http://www.africom.mil/getArticle.asp?art=2871.