• U.S. to establish drone training center in Morocco
• Program to train African armies, boosts intelligence and coordination
• Initiative reflects U.S. strategic push amid China, Russia rivalry

The United States has announced the creation of a regional drone training center in Morocco, intended to support African armies in developing their surveillance and intelligence capabilities. The announcement was made during the African Land Forces Summit in March, several media sources indicate.

According to statements by General Christopher Donahue, commander of the U.S. Army for Europe and Africa, the mission of the center will train drone operators from various African armies. Beyond the technical dimension, the program aims to strengthen tactical coordination between partner forces, favor the sharing of information, and develop common approaches to regional security challenges.

The first phase of the project will be integrated into the military exercise "African Lion 2026," with an initial training module for 16 participants. Organized jointly by the United States and Morocco, this exercise will take place from April 20 to May 8. This large-scale multinational maneuver will mobilize combined terrestrial, aerial, naval, and cybernetic training. Operations will be held simultaneously in Morocco, Tunisia, Ghana, and Senegal, and will bring together 19 African countries as well as numerous international partners.

The choice of Morocco to host this center reflects the kingdom's growing role as a security partner for Washington in North Africa. Relations between the United States and Morocco have strengthened significantly in recent years. Rabat notably consolidated its status as a strategic ally after the signing of the Abraham Accords, aiming to normalize its relations with Israel. Morocco is also the first African country to announce its wish to join Donald Trump’s "Board of Peace."

Furthermore, the kingdom has established itself as the main importer of U.S. military equipment on the continent. According to a report published in March by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), U.S. armaments represented nearly 60% of its military purchases between 2021 and 2025.

Beyond the technical aspect, the establishment of this center reflects Washington's desire to strengthen its strategic presence in Africa. The initiative comes in a context of increased rivalry with other powers, including Russia and China, which are also seeking to extend their military and technological influence on the continent.

Charlène N’dimon