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AFRICOM ready for Flintlock 2020

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Photo by: U.S. Africa Command Public Affairs 

More than 400 service members from more than 10 African partner and allied nations will participate in Flintlock 2022 in Cote d’Ivoire from Feb. 15-28, 2022. 

Flintlock is an annual, African-led, combined military and law enforcement exercise that has strengthened key partner-nation forces throughout Africa, in partnership with international special operations forces, since 2005. Flintlock is U.S. Africa Command’s premier and largest annual special operations exercise.  

This year, Flintlock will be hosted by Cote d’Ivoire. The exercise is designed to strengthen the ability of key partner nations in the region to counter violent extremist organizations, collaborate across borders, and provide security for their people. The willingness of Cote d’Ivoire to host this year’s exercise reflects the dedication by African partners to address regional challenges. Additionally, the exercise bolsters partnerships between African, U.S., and international military and law enforcement organizations, increasing interoperability during crises and operations to increase security and stability. 

Participating African nations include Cameroon, Cote d’Ivoire, Ghana, and Niger. International participants include Canada, France, the Netherlands, Norway, the United Kingdom, and the United States. 

Flintlock reflects a mutual commitment to countering malign activity and violent extremism throughout the Sahel. 

While regional security is the focus of the exercise, lessons learned and shared at Flintlock will create lasting effects beyond North and West Africa. Malign actors and terrorists who seek to expand their influence here also threaten stability throughout the world. By bringing together the considerable talent of African and international partners, we are collectively stronger and more capable of solving the foundational issues affecting regional and global stability. 

Flintlock, as part of international investments in defense, diplomacy, and development, strengthens the collective ability of allied and partner nations to take on the challenges of today and the future.