The 2025 edition of the African Lion drills is scheduled to take place in Tunisia, marking the “most extensive exercise” hosted in the country.
African Lion is an annual US-led exercise that brings together several nations to enhance interoperability among participating armed forces.
The maneuvers will occur in multiple locations across the North African nation, including Tunis, Bizerte, and the Ben Ghilouf Training Area, between April and May next year.
The exercise will also feature events in Morocco, Senegal, and Ghana, involving up to 8,000 military personnel.
US-Tunisia Military Partnerships
Although Tunisia’s Army is relatively small compared to other African countries, the nation has become a critical hub for international defense cooperation and military activities in recent years, supported primarily by the US and the EU.
The African Lion announcement follows the conclusion of another annual multinational exercise initiative hosted by Tunisia, the Phoenix Express.
During the 12-day drill, North African, the US, and several European maritime forces collaborated to enhance coordination in safeguarding the Southern Mediterranean Sea.
Earlier this month, the US delivered its third C-130 transport aircraft to Tunisia, valued at 36 million dinars ($12 million). The delivery is part of nearly $100 million in US investments in training and equipment for the Tunisian Air Force since 2020.
Upgraded Facility at Ben Ghilouf
Since Tunisia’s political transition in 2011, the US has invested $1 billion in security cooperation with the North African nation, including up to $160 million in 2023 alone.
Notably, the US has supported the modernization of Tunisia’s key training base at Ben Ghilouf.
The recent construction works enhanced the area with barracks for 630 personnel and mess halls for another 430.
Earlier upgrades added a modernized training range, an observation tower, a tactical briefing canopy, a helicopter pad, and an operations center to facilitate exercise coordination, according to African Defense Forum.
Tunisia also collaborates with the US Africa Command. During a security cooperation meeting in August, American and Tunisian officials discussed strengthening bilateral relations in cyber defense, emergency management, and border security.
Border Control and EU Relations
In addition to US support, the EU plays a significant role in joint exercises and has provided substantial funding for security cooperation in the region.
Border patrol remains a key focus of European interest in Tunisia. In 2023, the EU signed a memorandum of understanding with Tunisia, providing 100 million euros ($104 million) for border management, migration, search and rescue, anti-smuggling, and return operations.
However, the UN and human rights organizations have raised concerns, warning that this cooperation exacerbates conditions for migrants, refugees, and asylum seekers. Allegations of abuse by Tunisian security forces have also surfaced.
