2023-12-01 11:21:00
The Beninese Army is strengthening its counterterrorism equipment thanks to military cooperation with the United States. At the end of November 2023, in Parakou, the American ambassador to Benin officially handed over a batch of equipment to the chief of staff of the Beninese Armed Forces (FAB).
American material support for the fight against terrorism in Benin consists of equipment such as clothing, ballistic glasses, searchlights, radio transceivers, screens, first aid kits, pickaxes, shovels, and binoculars. Estimated at more than 1.3 billion CFA francs, this support is part of the second edition of the border security program called BORSEC 2.
Training of Beninese soldiers
Through BORSEC, more than 700 Beninese soldiers have already been trained in border surveillance tactics such as land navigation, combat drills, patrols and emergency medical care. Strengthening relations with civilian populations through social services is also part of BORSEC 2 activities.
A new training program will be launched soon. A memorandum of understanding was signed to this effect by the United States ambassador and the head of the Beninese armed forces. The objective of this program is to strengthen the capacities of the FAB to fight against terrorism in northern Benin. It is available in several phases to equip and support the training of soldiers at the Bembèrèkè Military Training Center and in the FAB units deployed along the border.
The American government donated FCFA 1.3 billion in equipment to the FAB on 11/29/2023 at the Parakou Military Camp. This donation is part of the 2nd BORSEC Border Security Program, and includes cutting-edge military equipment. #USinBenin #Security pic.twitter.com/NpeyBRRpt2
— U.S. Embassy Cotonou (@USEmbassyBenin) December 4, 2023
Multiple partnerships
American support is added to that of France, Benin’s other partner in its strategy against terrorism. In 2023, Emmanuel Macron’s country will also supported Benin with rolling stock and military equipment. At the same time, President Patrice Talon validated military cooperation with Rwanda for the deployment of Rwandan soldiers in Benin.
Also, during this month of December, the leaders of the French and Belgian armies should successively visit Benin at the invitation of their Beninese counterpart. The fight against the armed groups responsible for attacks on Beninese soil will be on the menu of these various visits.
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