Algeria joins the African Lion 2025 military exercises alongside Israel and Morocco

The African Lion 2025 military exercises, organized by the United States, include the participation of Algeria for the first time, marking a significant shift in the military cooperation dynamics in North Africa. Set to begin on April 14 in Tunisia, this event will be the largest in its history, with 10,000 soldiers from over 40 countries, including several NATO members, taking part. In addition to Algeria, new participants such as Qatar are joining the exercises, while Israel, which joined the maneuvers following the 2020 Abraham Accords, will also be present. Algeria’s inclusion is particularly noteworthy due to its tensions with Morocco and its historical refusal to cooperate with Israel.

The African Lion exercises will take place in several African countries, including Morocco, Senegal, and Ghana, and will focus on maintaining security and stability in the region. Algeria’s presence is all the more significant given the existing tensions between the country and Morocco, exacerbated after the diplomatic rupture in 2021. This conflict, centered on the issue of Western Sahara, sees Morocco promoting an autonomy plan for the region under its sovereignty, while Algeria supports the Polisario Front, which advocates for an independence referendum.

This tense geopolitical context highlights the importance of Algeria’s participation in these military exercises. Although historically reluctant to cooperate with Israel, Algeria is taking a significant step by joining African Lion, which could signal a shift in its diplomatic stance. Despite its differences with Morocco, which remains a key U.S. partner in the region, Algeria’s inclusion reflects the complex reality of international relations in North Africa and the Middle East.

With Algeria’s participation in the African Lion 2025 exercises, this military event stands out not only for its scale but also for its political significance. While tensions remain, regional military cooperation could become a fertile ground for overcoming divisions and promoting greater stability in Africa. The presence of a wide range of countries, both observers and participants, underscores the growing interest in security cooperation in a region that is strategic for global geopolitics.