Representatives from more than 30 African, international and U.S. special operations forces are in Abidjan this week to finalise plans for U.S. Africa Command’s (USAFRICOM) flagship annual exercise, Flintlock 2026.
Hosted by Ivorian Special Forces, Flintlock 2026 will bring together over 1,000 participants across Côte d’Ivoire and Libya. The exercise aims to enhance counterterrorism capabilities, strengthen cross-border coordination and reinforce a shared commitment to human rights and civilian protection.
“Strong partnerships in Africa make America and the world safer and more prosperous,” said U.S. Embassy Abidjan Chargé d’Affaires Junaid “Jay” Munir.
The Flintlock exercise is designed to build trust among partner nations, improve interoperability and strengthen collective readiness to address shared security challenges across the region. Participants will engage in joint training, tactical simulations and operational planning to ensure rapid and coordinated responses to emerging threats.
Flintlock 2026 continues the long-standing tradition of cooperation between U.S. and African forces, reinforcing regional stability and enhancing the ability of partners to protect their communities while upholding international norms and civilian safety.
