The United States, Senegal, and other nations are participating in two military exercises: African Lion 2025 (AL25) and Obangame Express 2025 (OE25). These exercises highlight the enduring commitment of the United States to a strong security partnership with Senegal, focusing on regional stability, citizen protection, and addressing shared security challenges both on land and at sea.
African Lion 2025 involves the armed forces of the United States, Senegal, the Netherlands, Côte d'Ivoire, and Mauritania. The operations run from April 14 to May 23 as part of USAFRICOM's largest annual combined training exercise. Activities in Senegal are concentrated at tactical training centers in Dodji and Thiès for operational coordination exercises.
"Sénégal plays an essential role in regional stability and leadership," stated Isaac Gallegos, principal planner for African Lion 25 in Senegal for SETAF-AF. He added that "the training here aims to strengthen the ability to respond quickly, coordinate effectively, and operate with trusted partners."
The focus of African Lion 25 in Senegal includes counter-improvised explosive device training, battlefield intelligence preparation, and field training exercises. The exercise aims to enhance military readiness and foster stronger partnerships by improving joint capabilities in complex multi-domain environments.
Obangame Express 2025 is sponsored by AFRICOM and led by the U.S. Navy's Sixth Fleet. It will take place from May 5 to May 16 off West Africa's coast with partner countries like Senegal.
In its 14th edition, the United States, Senegal, and 27 other nations will work together to strengthen maritime cooperation, promote regional security, and improve interoperability among their armed forces.
Participating countries include Angola, Benin, Cape Verde, Cameroon, Côte d'Ivoire, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Ghana, Guinea-Bissau, Morocco, Liberia Nigeria Republic of Congo Sao Tomé-and-Principe Sénégal Sierra Leone Gambia Togo Tunisia as well as European partners such as Belgium Italy Netherlands Spain UK Denmark France.
This exercise reflects the shared commitment of the United States Sénégal our partners towards regional stability peace prosperity preparing our military forces respond current security challenges.
Obangame Express is one of three regional maritime exercises conducted by the U.S. Sixth Fleet as part of a broader strategy to strengthen cooperation between African navies international forces against maritime security threats including illicit trafficking piracy illegal fishing.
Based in Naples Italy U.S. Sixth Fleet conducts naval joint operations Europe Africa close coordination allies partners U.S. government agencies promote regional security.