Duke Buchan III attended the first Humanitarian Civic Assistance (HCA) activity held in Dakhla as part of the African Lion military exercise, highlighting deepening U.S.-Morocco defense ties and their impact on local communities.
The humanitarian initiative is a core component of African Lion, reflecting joint efforts by the United States and Morocco to enhance their capacity to protect and support civilian populations.
More than 100 U.S. military personnel are working alongside Morocco’s Royal Armed Forces to deliver medical services to over 20,000 patients in Taroudant and Dakhla during this year’s exercise.
In Dakhla, the program marks the first time such humanitarian activities have been carried out in the region. U.S. and Moroccan medical teams collaborated to provide a range of services, including dental hygiene awareness sessions, distribution of oral care kits for children, and ophthalmological consultations.
The initiative also included the provision of eyeglasses and hygiene kits for schoolchildren.
“For the first time in our historic partnership, African Lion has come to Dakhla,” Buchan said, noting the scale of cooperation between U.S. and Moroccan military medical teams.
The Dakhla mission represents a significant step in expanding the humanitarian dimension of African Lion into southern regions.
Buchan emphasized longstanding bilateral ties, describing the initiative as a reflection of “250 years of friendship” between the two countries. He also reiterated U.S. support for Morocco, framing the exercise as part of broader cooperation spanning security and development.
African Lion is the largest U.S. military exercise on the continent, bringing together participants from more than 40 countries.
For over two decades, Morocco has played a central role in hosting and shaping the exercise, reflecting its status as a major non-NATO ally of the United States and a key partner in promoting regional stability.
This year’s edition includes expanded training programs and the integration of advanced technologies aimed at strengthening participating countries’ ability to respond to evolving security challenges.
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