AFRICOM exercise begins

Jeune Afrique reports that "Flintlock 10," a three-week annual AFRICOM exercise designed to help 16 countries fight terrorism has begun. According to the magazine, "about 1200 soldiers, including 600 US Special Forces, more than 400 Africans, and 150 Europeans" are participating. The BBC adds that the exercise involves "mostly Mauritania, Mali, Senegal, Burkina Faso, Niger, Nigeria and Chad." The exercise required the establishment of a 300-strong temporary command center in Ouagadougou (that's in Burkina Faso). AFRICOM is also working with the African Union in this endeavor.

So I have some questions for General Ward. What's the point exactly? I mean aren't there more urgent priorities for supporting these countries' militaries than doing this kind of exercise? What's the benefit to our forces? Finally, why were the participating countries selected. eg. why is CAR not involved or for that matter some of the North African countries? What do you all think?