Moroccan Royal Armed Forces Brig. Gen. Aziz Idrissi Yazami stood in front of a packed conference room and painted a picture of the numerous security challenges facing Africa.
Terrorism and extremist ideology, inter-state conflict, humanitarian crises and natural disasters are all too common across the continent and are taking place amid the proliferation of weapons and emerging technology in the hands of non-state actors.
There never has been a greater need for leadership, Yazami said. His opening remarks leaned staunchly into the themes of this year’s African Senior Enlisted Conference: Resilient, Adaptive, Transformative.
“It is essential that [noncommissioned officers] are motivated, empowered and continuously trained so that our armies become more agile and responsive to current armed conflicts,” he said.
More than 130 noncommissioned officers from 30 African countries attended the 2025 conference, co-hosted in Rabat by the Royal Moroccan Armed Forces and United States Africa Command from June 10 to 12.
Yazami, chief of the Second Bureau of the General Staff of the Morocco armed forces, said successful peacekeeping and stabilization operations need innovative approaches. He shined a spotlight on the commitment of highly qualified troops, composed mainly of resilient noncommissioned officers.
“Resilient leaders withstand pressure, unify teams and lead through uncertainty,” an AFRICOM video presentation said. “Adaptive leaders learn, adjust and respond to an evolving operational environment. Transformative leaders shape the future through collaboration, innovation and vision.”
NCOs from across the continent participated in large- and small-group discussions to share insights and best practices, network, and explore their professional development. They worked to strengthen partnerships, explore solutions to common challenges, and develop military training institutions with an emphasis on contributing to peace and security in Africa.
Panels included combat operations, peacekeeping operations, “What’s Next for African Enlisted Development,” and African Leadership 2030, a group of initiatives and efforts aimed at fostering strong, sustainable leadership on the continent.
Jason Womack, senior director for organizational engagement and leadership development for the U.S. Space Force, delivered a keynote on the final day, asking participants to rethink how their forces that now work in isolation could develop individuals and organizations in tandem.
Prompting NCOs to assess areas of connection and disconnection in their own units, Womack concluded by challenging leaders to engage their teams in two conversations: which principle needs strengthening on a personal level, and how personal development can support broader organizational goals. He emphasized that leadership development is not a one-time event, but an ongoing practice that builds resilience, adaptability and unity over time.
Morocco also has hosted the annual African Lion exercise since 2008. U.S. officials continue to describe Morocco as an important strategic ally in countering security threats across the region and beyond.
“The Kingdom, as a security provider, is a pillar of stability on the continent,” AFRICOM Deputy Commander Lt. Gen. John W. Brennan told Moroccan newspaper Le Matin.
