The African Lion drills, scheduled for 2025, are set to unfold in Tunisia, with this edition being described as the most extensive exercise ever hosted in the country. This annual, US-led military exercise seeks to improve interoperability among armed forces from multiple nations. The maneuvers will be conducted across various locations within Tunisia, including Tunis, Bizerte, and the Ben Ghilouf Training Area, taking place from April to May of next year. Additional events will also occur in Morocco, Senegal, and Ghana, with participation from up to 8,000 military personnel.
Tunisia’s military, while relatively small compared to other African nations, has evolved into a significant hub for international defense cooperation and military operations, primarily facilitated by the United States and the European Union. The announcement regarding African Lion follows the successful completion of another multinational exercise in Tunisia, the Phoenix Express, during which North African, US, and various European maritime forces collaborated on enhancing coordination efforts to secure the Southern Mediterranean Sea.
In a recent show of support, the United States delivered its third C-130 transport aircraft to Tunisia, a contribution valued at 36 million dinars (approximately $12 million). This delivery is part of a broader investment scheme, with nearly $100 million allocated by the US for the training and equipment of the Tunisian Air Force since 2020.
Since the political transition in Tunisia in 2011, US investment in security cooperation has reached approximately $1 billion, including up to $160 million in 2023 alone. A notable aspect of this cooperation is the modernization of Tunisia’s Ben Ghilouf training base. Recent construction has significantly improved the facility, adding barracks for 630 personnel and mess halls for an additional 430 individuals. Previous upgrades included the establishment of a modernized training range, an observation tower, a tactical briefing canopy, a helicopter pad, and an operations center dedicated to facilitating exercise coordination, as reported by African Defense Forum.
In tandem with US efforts, Tunisia works closely with US Africa Command. Recent discussions during a security cooperation meeting in August underscored a commitment to bolstering bilateral relations in key areas such as cyber defense, emergency management, and border security.
European Union support is also integral to Tunisia’s military engagements, particularly in joint exercises. In 2023, the EU formalized its involvement with a memorandum of understanding that includes a financial commitment of 100 million euros ($104 million) aimed at enhancing border management, migration, search and rescue operations, anti-smuggling initiatives, and the facilitation of return operations.
However, this cooperation has raised alarms from the United Nations and various human rights organizations, which have voiced concerns about the implications for migrants, refugees, and asylum seekers. Reports have surfaced alleging instances of abuse by Tunisian security forces, raising questions about the human rights situation amid increasing military and border control collaboration.
