“African Lion”, Africa’s largest multinational joint military exercise, once again underscores the shared commitment of Morocco and the United States to regional security and stability, US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth said on Thursday, stressing that there is “no better partner” to host these drills.
Speaking via videoconference during a ceremony held at the headquarters of the Southern Zone Staff in Agadir in honor of participating countries in the 22nd edition of the exercise, Hegseth praised Morocco’s long-standing engagement in the initiative.
“Today, African Lion is holding its 22nd edition. I would like to extend special thanks to the Kingdom of Morocco for its exceptional and lasting commitment to this exercise,” he said.
The US official highlighted that the drills enhance interoperability among participating forces and strengthen their ability to collectively respond to security challenges, particularly in countering terrorist safe havens.
“The threats we face are evolving rapidly, and we must stay ahead through innovation and collective effort,” he added.
According to Hegseth, “African Lion” goes beyond a traditional military exercise and has become a platform for innovation, enabling partners to jointly explore new technologies aimed at improving operational effectiveness on the battlefield.
He noted that the 2026 edition serves as a true innovation laboratory, integrating artificial intelligence, robotics, and next-generation digital technologies into multi-domain operational scenarios under real conditions.
“The message of African Lion 2026 to those seeking to destabilize the continent is clear: our shared determination is unshakable, our capabilities are growing, and we are ready to defend our common interests,” he stressed.
For his part, Lieutenant General Mohammed Berrid, Inspector General of the Royal Armed Forces and Commander of the Southern Zone, reaffirmed Morocco’s determination to build on the achievements of the exercise so that “African Lion” remains a renewed framework for preparedness, partnership, and cooperation in addressing present and future challenges across African, Mediterranean, and Atlantic spaces.
He also recalled that 2027 will mark the 250th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Morocco and the United States, noting that the next edition of the exercise will carry a strong symbolic significance reflecting the depth of bilateral ties.
Meanwhile, General Dagvin Anderson, Commander of USAFRICOM, described “African Lion” as Africa’s leading joint, multinational, and multi-domain military exercise.
He said the drills send a “clear and unambiguous message” that the shared commitment to a safe and prosperous Africa is not just a promise, but a “unified, ready, and determined force” capable of making it a reality.
