North Carolina Guard, Botswana kick off Southern Accord 2026

GABORONE, Botswana - U.S. and Botswana military personnel kicked off Exercise Southern Accord 2026 with an opening ceremony Monday, Aug. 10, at Gaborone Technical College in Gaborone, Botswana. The biennial exercise, running Aug. 10-15, brings together U.S. and Botswana military personnel to enhance regional security, foster mutual readiness and increase the operational independence of African partner nations.

This year's exercise is designed as a staff exercise, or STAFFEX. The STAFFEX uses a notional multidomain threat scenario to improve joint planning capabilities.

"This exercise will go well beyond the boots on ground, unit level training," said Deputy Exercise Director, U.S. Air Force Col. Anthony Sullins. "We are bringing together military and civil planners from Botswana, the North Carolina National Guard, United States Africa Command and the United States Space Force."

Throughout the STAFFEX, U.S. and Botswana personnel will apply the joint planning process to address challenges presented by the exercise scenario. Syndicates focused on cyber, space and intelligence will contribute domain-specific expertise while working toward joint solutions.

"No single nation, no matter how powerful, can perform these security realities in isolation," said Director General Support Services, Botswana Defence Force Maj. Gen. Molefi Seikano. "The challenges of our time require synchronized responses and vibrant partnerships."

The training reinforces the ability of both nations to work together across multiple domains in support of shared security objectives. "Our partnership with the United States Army, specifically through Central Africa, provides our American counterparts unique insights into the operational realities, cultural contexts, and technical innovations in the region," said Seikano.

"Southern Accord 2026 further strengthens the commitment to cooperation between the Republic of Botswana and the United States," said Deputy Exercise Director, U.S. Air Force Col. Anthony Sullins. "It further develops the 18 year partnership and mutual cooperation between the Botswana Defence Force and the North Carolina National Guard."