The issue of security is often combined with economics, production, and food. This is what can be learned from the American “Flintlock” operation, “the largest and largest annual special operations exercise of the U.S. Africa Command” which was established in 2005. Flintlock is an annual combined military and police exercise, led by Africa, in partnership with international special operations forces. This year, training was at the center of its activities.

The main objective of Flintlock is to strengthen the capacity of key partner nations in the region to counter violent extremist organizations, collaborate across borders, and keep their populations safe. According to American Rear Admiral Jamie Sands, head of the African Special Operations Command, speaking at a conference at the Regional Media Center for Africa US Department of State , “Flintlock brings relevant and lasting value to our African partners as they continue to face challenges related to illegal maritime activities that threaten the security and economic prosperity of West Africa.”

To this end, this year it welcomed around 1,300 people from 29 countries for the first week of academic training for command posts and tactical training exercises, which started on March 1 and ended on March 15. This year, 250 Ghanaian soldiers participated in the exercise and 165 Ivorians, with the Dutch “at the head of a partnership with Ghana.” This year, the focus was on strengthening participants' capacities to collectively address regional security challenges through comprehensive scenarios involving the command and control of simulated participants at various remote stations.