The First Leg of the African Lion 2024 Exercise Ends in Tunisia and Starts in Other Host Countries
The first leg of African Lion 2024, the largest annual exercise by US Africa Command (AFRICOM), began on April 19 and concluded on May 10 with a multinational combined arms live fire exercise (CALFEX) at Tunisia’s Ben Ghilouf training range. The Tunisia section of the 20th AF24 exercise, which represents the US military’s determination to maintain strong relations with its allies and partners in the region, was held this year with more than 8,100 participants from 27 countries and NATO contingents.
During the two-week mission in Tunisia, led by the United States Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF), partner nations engaged in a variety of activities, including tactical, land, sea, and air exercises. These activities aimed to improve participating countries’ preparedness and interoperability, and included live-fire exercises, explosive ordnance disposal operations, and chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear training. In addition to the activities listed above, some participating countries received academic and humanitarian civil service training in a variety of medical, surgical, and veterinary fields to prepare for the exercise.
SETAF-AF deputy commander Brigadier General John A. LeBlanc expressed his gratitude to the Tunisian hosts for their professionalism and hospitality, saying, “this multinational engagement is designed to prevent conflicts, deter adversary aggression and ensure readiness to respond effectively to any crisis.”
Following Tunisia, participating countries moved on to Morocco, which will host the second phase of the exercise to strengthen shared defense capabilities and cooperation against threats such as violent extremist organizations. Over the course of a week, partner countries will carry out tasks in Morocco’s Agadir, Tantan, Aga, and Tifnit regions that are broadly similar to those carried out in Tunisia. The exercise will then continue simultaneously in Ghana and Senegal until May 31.
The African Lion exercise is Africa’s largest military maneuver and an important forum for military personnel to exchange experiences in joint training areas, helping to develop operational, technical, and procedural interoperability among participating militaries. The United States Africa Command is in charge of five other annual exercises, aside from African Lion. The exercises are called Cutlass Express, Obangame Express, Phoenix Express, Justified Accord, and Flintlock.