Ahmad 
The Moroccan Armed Forces and the US Armed Forces, in cooperation with the forces of more than ten partner countries, have completed planning for the 20th edition of the African Lion 2024 exercise.
The tournament, which will take place from 20 to 31 May 2024 in different areas including Agadir, Tantan, Mahbas, Tata, Kenitra, Ben Guerir and Tifnit, is expected to celebrate the 20th edition of the “African Lion” exercise, which is the largest multinational exercise on the African continent.
According to security and military experts, these preparations come in a context of developments in African countries and the Sahel-Saharan region, where the Kingdom of Morocco is cooperating with the United States within the framework of a military partnership agreement extending from 2020 to 2030.
In a statement to the media, Mohamed Choucair, an expert in security and military affairs, confirmed that these preparations come in the context of the decline of French influence in the region, especially in the Sahel countries, with changes in some military regimes.
Choucair added that this edition of the exercises comes in light of the new dynamic to strengthen African-Atlantic cooperation, noting the importance of Morocco’s role as President of the Peace and Security Council of the African Union, and its role in facing security challenges and combating terrorism and violent extremism.
Bousselham Aissat, a researcher in political and international studies, explained that this course reflects a “strong and lasting military partnership” between the Royal Moroccan Armed Forces and the US Armed Forces, and promotes safety and peace on the African continent.
Aissat pointed out that this edition comes in the context of Morocco’s chairmanship of the Peace and Security Council of the African Union and the strengthening of the royal vision for joint African action.
The “African Lion” exercise is considered the nucleus of enhancing the naval military capabilities of African countries bordering the Atlantic Ocean, in light of international and regional geostrategic challenges.