Africa-Press. The commander of the U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM), Dagvin Anderson, announced at a press conference that the command will conduct the “African Lion” exercises in Morocco in May 2026.
Anderson said: “Our largest exercises, ‘African Lion,’ will be held in Morocco. And we plan to conduct them in May.” He added that Morocco was chosen to host the drills because it was the first country to recognize U.S. independence in 1777.
Nineteen African countries, six European countries, and a number of countries from South America and the Middle East will take part in “African Lion.” The exercises focus on countering cross-border threats, foremost among them terrorism and drug trafficking.
A series of naval “Cutlass Express” exercises will also be held in Mozambique, with the participation of fourteen African countries, five European countries, and two countries from the Indo-Pacific region.
Other exercises will be held in Kenya with five African countries and three European countries participating, in addition to further phases in Tanzania and Djibouti. U.S. Africa Command’s Sergeant Major Garik Banfield added that “Flintlock” exercises will be conducted in Côte d’Ivoire, with an additional phase in Libya.
These exercises will involve 26 African countries, 15 European countries, two Indo-Pacific countries, and one South American country. Last December, AFRICOM announced that “Flintlock 26” would be held in the spring of 2026 near the Libyan city of Sirte.
