ABSTRACT
This chapter investigates the wider implications of African media reporting on United States Africa Command (AFRICOM)'s soft power. In exercising its soft power gambit, AFRICOM has engaged in activities that could potentially impact on its image, including the African Partnership Station that focuses on certain African economic zones and territorial waters and offers security assistance, training and humanitarian relief to African states. In the aftermath of the Arab Spring, AFRICOM offered education and training to the military personnel of states like Libya, Tunisia, Morocco and Algeria to stem the instability that had befallen the region. AFRICOM has endeavoured to use media campaigns spearheaded by its Public Affairs Office and a public website to create awareness of its intentions among the African public. AFRICOM has also invited the journalists across Africa to participate in seminars aimed at winning the hearts and minds of the media outlets.
