Strategic Security Partnerships in Africa
Massad Boulos, the Special Advisor to former President Donald Trump on African and Arab affairs, recently engaged in discussions with General Dagvin Anderson, the head of the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM). Since taking office on August 14, 2025, General Anderson has been instrumental in fostering security partnerships between the United States and African nations. In a statement made on March 25, Boulos highlighted the importance of these collaborations, specifically mentioning the joint military exercises known as African Lion in Morocco and Flintlock in Libya, which are designed to enhance regional coordination and cooperation.
Upcoming Military Exercises and Planning
General Anderson's visit to Morocco on October 20, just two months after assuming command of AFRICOM, marked a significant step in bilateral relations. During that visit, he met with Abdellatif Loudiyi, the Minister Delegate for National Defense Administration, and General Mohammed Berrid, Inspector General of the Royal Armed Forces and Commander of the Southern Zone. The upcoming African Lion 2026 military exercise, co-organized by the U.S. Armed Forces and the Royal Armed Forces of Morocco, is scheduled to take place from April 20 to May 8, 2026, at various locations including Agadir, Tan-Tan, Kénitra, and Benguerir. In preparation for this significant event, a planning meeting for the 22nd edition of the exercise was held in Agadir from February 2 to February 6.
As reported by yabiladi.com.
