US Cancels "African Lion 2020" Military Exercises Due to Coronavirus Concerns

According to a press release from the US Africa Command (Africom), the decision was made in agreement with the Moroccan authorities and other participating countries.

This postponement is justified by the need to protect the soldiers of the various participating countries from coronavirus contamination, the spread of which is still a burning issue in all corners of the planet.

A few days ago, the US Africa Military Command had first announced that a meeting would be held between US, Moroccan, Senegalese and Tunisian military leaders to reduce the program of the African Lion 2020 exercise. The rapid evolution of the global health situation decided otherwise.

The annual combined African Lion exercise, which takes place through military maneuvers on land, air and sea, is mainly aimed at strengthening cooperation between the United States and partner countries in order to jointly address regional instability situations. It also involves conducting peacekeeping operations, maintaining security and combating terrorist organizations.

While preparations for the 2021 edition of African Lion are still ongoing, the cancellation of the 2020 edition does not in any way mean that the United States will back down in its cooperation with its European allies and African partners to ensure the security and stability of the African continent.