Assistance measure in support of the Beninese Navy in 2024

Maritime Safety and Security

Objectives & Challenges

The purpose of the assistance measure is to strengthen the operational capabilities of the Beninese navy, with the aim of increasing their capacity to patrol Benin’s exclusive economic zone and to carry out operational activities, ultimately reducing the incidence of crime, as well as protecting vessels and maritime resources, and protecting coastal populations and their livelihoods.

To achieve this objective, the assistance measure finances the following acquisitions:

– a surveillance boat ;

– engines ;

– equipment for a maintenance workshop;

– fire-fighting outfits for fire-fighting sailors and protective outfits for marine fusiliers.

In addition to these acquisitions, support will be provided for maintenance operators in the workshops and for the crews.

Presentation of the project

The northern regions of Benin, Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana and Togo have been experiencing deteriorating security conditions in connection with the crisis affecting the central Sahel.

In light of the deteriorating security environment, the need to strengthen the defence and security forces is an important element to enable and support stabilisation efforts in Benin. In this context, and fully cognisant of the fact that the situation requires an integrated response, ensuring long-term peace, strengthening security to foster sustainable development in Benin is a key priority for the Union.

On 22 April 2024, the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy received a request from Benin for the Union to assist the Beninese Armed Forces with the procurement of additional key equipment, services and training to enhance the operational capabilities of the Beninese Navy, with the aim to strengthen its capacity to patrol the exclusive economic zone of Benin and conduct operational activities, including in the framework of the Yaoundé architecture.

 

Beneficiary – Partner country/ organisation:

Beneficiary: Beninese Navy

  • Start date: 2024
  • Status: In progress
  • Financing type: European Union
  • Type of contrat : Contribution agreement/indirect management of European funds
  • 5
    millions €
    Budget allocated to DCI
  • 25
    months
    Duration of the assistance measure