U.S. Africa Command Launches African Lion 2024 Exercise with 27 Nations

The U.S. Africa Command's African Lion 2024 exercise has commenced in Tunisia, with over 8,000 personnel from 27 countries participating across Tunisia, Senegal, Ghana, and Morocco. The exercise, which began on April 29 and will run through May 31, aims to enhance interoperability, strengthen shared defense capabilities, and counter transnational threats and violent extremist organizations.

African Lion 2024, marking its 20th anniversary, is the U.S. Africa Command's annual joint and combined exercise. Led by the U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF), the exercise focuses on developing readiness and interoperability among participating countries through various training activities, including live-fire exercises, explosive ordnance disposal operations, and chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear training.

The opening ceremony was held at the El Aouina Air Base in Tunisia, with U.S. Army Brig. Gen. John LeBlanc, the deputy commanding general of SETAF-AF, and Tunisian counterparts led by Senior Col. Tawfik Ghali, the exercise director for African Lion 2024, participating in the commemoration.

Why this matters: African Lion 2024 demonstrates the U.S. military's commitment to maintaining strong relationships with allies and partners throughout the region. The exercise serves as a platform for enhancing collaboration and readiness among participating nations to address shared security challenges and promote stability in Africa.

In addition to African Lion 2024, the U.S. Naval Forces Africa, U.S. Marine Corps Forces Africa, and the Ghana Navy are leading the African Maritime Forces Summit and Naval Infantry Leadership Symposium Africa this week in Accra, Ghana. Military chiefs and governmental leaders from over 40 countries, including 30 African nations, are participating in discussions on maritime security and collaboration.

"African Lion 2024 showcases the U.S. military's dedication to maintaining robust partnerships with allies and partners throughout the region," said Brig. Gen. John LeBlanc, emphasizing the importance of the exercise in nurturing cooperation and readiness among participating nations to tackle shared security challenges in Africa.

Key Takeaways

• U.S. Africa Command's annual African Lion 2024 exercise kicks off in Tunisia.
• Over 8,000 personnel from 27 countries participating across 4 countries.
• Exercise aims to enhance interoperability, shared defense capabilities, counter threats.
• U.S. leading maritime security summit and symposium in Ghana this week.
• Exercise demonstrates U.S. commitment to partnerships, regional security in Africa.