Service members from Tunisia, the United States, France and Italy met in Tunis Jan. 21-24 for the final planning event of the Tunisian portion of African Lion 2026. The exercise, led by the U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF) on behalf of U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM), is designed to strengthen the collective security capabilities of the United States, African nations and global allies.

The most recent appropriations for the Department of War expired at 11:59 p.m. EDT on Sept. 30, 2025. Military personnel will continue in a normal duty status, without pay, until such time as a continuing resolution or appropriations are passed by Congress and signed into law. Civilian personnel not engaged in excepted activities will be placed in a non-work, non-pay status.

U.S. Ambassador Robert Scott, Deputy to the Commander for Civil-Military Engagement, U.S. Africa Command, visited Praia, Cabo Verde, in support of Obangame Express 2025, U.S. Naval Forces Africa’s premier West Africa maritime security exercise, May 13-16, 2025.