Agadir: At the headquarters of the South Zone Command in Agadir, an opening ceremony was held on Monday to mark the official launch of this multinational joint exercise, attended by representatives of participating countries.
According to Agence Marocaine De Presse, the ceremony was co-chaired by Major General Mohammed Benlouali, Chief of Staff of the South Zone, and Brigadier General Daniel Cederman, Deputy Commander of the U.S. Army’s Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF). During the event, the overall concept of the exercise and related activities for this 22nd edition were presented.
Major General Mohammed Benlouali highlighted that this event is a strategic step forward in enhancing the military partnership between the FAR and the U.S. Armed Forces, as well as with their counterparts from participating nations. He noted that the exercise aims to strengthen partnership and integration in areas of planning and to improve operational readiness.
Brigadier General Daniel Cederman emphasized that partnership is the foundation of the “African Lion” exercise. This year’s objectives are to increase readiness, reinforce interoperability, and improve the ability to execute joint missions in complex environments. He stated that the forces being built are capable of responding quickly and efficiently to common challenges.
Over 5,000 personnel from the armed forces of approximately 40 participating and observer nations are involved in these military exercises. Scheduled to take place in Benguerir, Agadir, Tan-Tan, Taroudant, Dakhla, and Tifnit, the “African Lion 2026” exercise includes tactical, land, maritime, and air exercises, as well as special forces exercises, airborne operations, and a field command exercise.
This year’s edition is notable for its focus on outer space, electromagnetic warfare, and cyberspace, with the integration of unmanned aerial systems into operational planning. Additionally, it includes training in countering weapons of mass destruction and medical services provided to the population of the El-Faid region by a military field hospital.
In preparation for the exercise, academic training sessions began on April 20 and will continue until April 30. These sessions aim to prepare participants for command exercises and maneuvers by allowing them to learn about the content to be implemented during planning and execution phases.
The “African Lion 2026” exercise, the largest conducted in Africa, is a key event for military leaders to share procedures and experiences, particularly in areas of joint training and combined operations.