WASHINGTON, Dec 13 (Reuters) - A new U.S. military command for Africa, meant to strengthen America's defense against potential threats from the continent, is expected to be created within two months, Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld said on Wednesday.

Rumsfeld, presenting awards to Pentagon employees, praised Theresa Whelan, deputy assistant secretary for African affairs, for her work on the proposal to create Africa Command.

In response, Whelan said the request had been made to President George W. Bush. "The memo is on the president's desk, sir," Whelan told Rumsfeld at the awards event.

The U.S. military assigns responsibility for specific parts of the world to regional commands such as Central Command, which handles the Middle East, Central Asia and Horn of Africa and now oversees operations in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Responsibility for Africa is divided among three commands -- European Command, Central Command and Pacific Command.

Pentagon officials increasingly point to the growing strategic importance of Africa and raise concerns about potential threats that could emerge from the continent's war-torn areas.

They also have raised worries about al Qaeda's intentions in Africa.

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