AFRICOM Denies Algeria, Libya Targeted in African Lion Military Exercise Scenario

During a videoconference organized on Monday, April 21 at the headquarters of the US Embassy in Algiers, two officers from the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM) formally denied allegations that Algeria and Libya were defined, in the scenario of the maneuvers, "as targeted countries, or even enemies", reports the Algerian daily El Moudjahid. For the 2025 edition of African Lion, it is the sea that is defined "as a source of threat", they specified.

The two US Army officials confirmed Algeria’s refusal to participate in this military exercise. "Algeria was invited to participate in this exercise, but it refused, it is its sovereign right to accept or refuse. We don’t know the reasons for this refusal, but we hope for its participation in future editions, as Algeria is a key player in stability and security in the region," they stated.

Algeria has always been invited to take part in previous editions, they specified. Algiers has not officially communicated about its invitation, nor about its refusal to take part in the 2025 edition of African Lion. This refusal is explained by the fact that Algeria does not maintain good relations with Morocco and Israel. In February, Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune had mentioned, during an interview with a French media, a possible evolution of the Algerian position towards Israel, without considering normalization. In August 2021, Algiers cut ties with Morocco. Since then, their relations remain tense. The country also views the Morocco-Israel alliance unfavorably.

African Lion began on April 14 in Tunisia and will continue in Morocco, Ghana and Senegal from May. In total, 10,000 soldiers from more than 40 countries, including seven North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) allies will participate in this military exercise. The forces involved will test advanced capabilities such as the HIMARS (HIRAIN) system, the new NGSW squad weapons, or the integration of cyber defense exercises. Humanitarian and medical components will also be present, in a global effort for inclusive security.