More than 8,000 personnel from 27 countries taking part in largest US-led exercise in Africa

Africa, News, US May 8, 2024 , by IRIA No Comments

U.S. Africa Command is hosting the largest annual joint and combined exercise, African Lion 2024, across Tunisia, Senegal, Ghana, and Morocco. The exercise will include contingents from NATO countries and continue through May 31, 2024.

The exercise involves more than 8,000 personnel with participation from the U.S., NATO Allies, and African partners. The African Lion Exercise aims to strengthen interoperability among participants and build readiness to respond to crises and contingencies in Africa and around the world.

The U.S. Africa Command statement highlighted that “the joint all-domain, multi-component, and multinational exercise, employs a full array of mission capabilities” intending to boost interoperability among participating forces.

Deputy Pentagon Press Secretary Sabrina Singh said during a press briefing that “African Lion provides an opportunity to conduct realistic, dynamic, and collaborative readiness training in austere environments.”

African Lion 2024 seeks to increase interoperability while strengthening shared defense capabilities and cooperation used to counter violent extremist organizations and transnational threats. “The exercise is a testament to the dedication participants have to enhancing security and collaboration across the continent,” She added.

U.S. Soldiers unload an AH-64D Apache helicopter — ^{U.S. Soldiers from the 1st Attack Reconnaissance Battalion, 1-211th Aviation Regiment, Utah Army National Guard, unload an AH-64D Apache helicopter on June 20, 2022, at Agadir Al-Massira International Airport, Morocco. (Image Credit: U.S. Army National Guard/Spc. Christopher Hall)}

According to the U.S. Army release on the exercise, the exercise highlights the U.S. military’s commitment to maintaining strong relationships with allies and partners throughout the region, consequently representing the military’s partner-led and U.S.-enabled approach to Africa.

U.S. Army Brig. Gen. John A. LeBlanc, SETAF-AF deputy commanding general, thanked Tunisia for hosting the exercise as the country continues to demonstrate “professionalism and hospitality”.

“This multinational engagement is designed to prevent conflicts, deter adversary aggression, and ensure readiness to respond effectively to any crisis,” U.S. Army Brigadier General LeBlanc added.

The Pentagon statement highlighted that “During the Tunisia portion of the exercise, African Lion will be focused on developing readiness and interoperability among participating countries through diverse training activities.” This includes live-fire exercises; explosive ordnance disposal operations; and chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear training, according to the release.”

Separately, in the Ghanaian capital of Accra, U.S. Naval Forces Africa and U.S. Marine Corps Africa are joining with Ghana’s navy to lead the African Maritime Forces Summit and Navy Infantry Leadership Symposium Africa.