U.S. Africa Command’s Exercise African Lion cancelled

After careful consideration and coordination with exercise participants and African host nation partners, U.S. Africa Command’s Exercise African Lion 2020 has been cancelled.

By U.S. Africa Command Public Affairs , United States Africa Command Stuttgart, Germany Mar 16, 2020

After careful consideration and coordination with exercise participants and African host nation partners, U.S. Africa Command’s Exercise African Lion 2020 has been cancelled.

Out of an abundance of caution, the decision to cancel the exercise was made based on international travel restrictions associated with the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) and to minimize the risk of exposure to U.S. and partner nation service members.

African Lion was scheduled to take place from March 23 to April 4, 2020, in Morocco, Tunisia, and Senegal. U.S. Africa Command previously released on March 10 that the exercise would be scaled back to protect against COVID-19.

While African Lion 2020 has been canceled, planning continues for 2021.

U.S. Africa Command continues to work with international allies and African partners to enhance stability and security on the continent.

African Lion 2024: Morocco hosts multinational planning meeting

African Lion, NCO development discussed during visits in Senegal

Medical exercise provides real-world relief to local Moroccans

Bomber Task Force mission supports African Lion 2022 and counter-illicit maritime efforts in Mauritania

Strength in small numbers

African Lion

U.S. Forces Conduct Strike Targeting al-Shabaab

In coordination with the Federal Government of Somalia, U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) conducted an airstrike targeting al-Shabaab on Feb. 9, 2026.

U.S. Forces Conduct Strike Targeting ISIS-Somalia

In coordination with the Federal Government of Somalia, U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) conducted an airstrike targeting ISIS-Somalia on Feb. 3, 2026.

Marshall Center fellows visit U.S. Africa Command to prepare for leadership roles

Senior fellows from the George C. Marshall European Center for Security Studies visited U.S. Africa Command headquarters on Feb. 4, for a strategic overview of the command's mission and its partnership-focused approach to security in Africa.

U.S. Forces Conduct Strike Targeting al-Shabaab

In coordination with the Federal Government of Somalia, U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) conducted an airstrike targeting al-Shabaab on Feb. 9, 2026.

U.S. Forces Conduct Strike Targeting ISIS-Somalia

In coordination with the Federal Government of Somalia, U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) conducted an airstrike targeting ISIS-Somalia on Feb. 3, 2026.

Marshall Center fellows visit U.S. Africa Command to prepare for leadership roles

U.S. Forces Conduct Strike Targeting al-Shabaab

In coordination with the Federal Government of Somalia, U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) conducted an airstrike targeting al-Shabaab on Feb. 9, 2026.

U.S. Forces Conduct Strike Targeting ISIS-Somalia

In coordination with the Federal Government of Somalia, U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) conducted an airstrike targeting ISIS-Somalia on Feb. 3, 2026.

Marshall Center fellows visit U.S. Africa Command to prepare for leadership roles