DVIDS – News – African SOFs and US Special Operations Command Africa announce Flintlock 2023

Accra, Ghana – US Special Operations Command Africa (SOCAF) will conduct Flintlock 2023 in Ghana and the Ivory Coast from March 1-15, 2023, with approximately 1,300 service members from 30 participating countries.

Flintlock is the US Africa Command’s largest and largest annual special operations exercise that combines military and police forces to strengthen the capabilities of African and international special operations forces. The exercise, which first debuted in 2005, operates on the basis of mutual respect and collaboration to advance the shared interests of regional stability.

“Flintlock will represent the talent of all these countries working collectively to solve security challenges posing threats across the region,” SOCAF Deputy Commander Colonel Robert Zyla declared during a combined press conference on January 13 in Accra. “Violent extremism threatens the stability not only of Africa, but also of our partners around the world. A safer and more secure Africa will result in a more prosperous global society and security environment.”

Flintlock intends to strengthen the capacity of key partner nations in the region to counter violent extremist organizations, collaborate across borders, and provide security for their people while respecting human rights and building trust with civilian populations. The strong engagement of African and international partners reflects a mutual commitment to countering malign activity and violent extremism across the Sahel region and West Africa. While regional security is at the center of the exercise, the lessons learned at Flintlock will create lasting effects beyond North and West Africa.

Historically, US forces have partnered with Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire through multiple military and civil affairs exchanges. Last year, the Ivory Coast hosted Flintlock 2022, with more than 400 participants from ten countries. This year’s iteration aims to continue strengthening the collective capacity of allied and partner nations to address key security challenges.