OBJECTIVES & CHALLENGES
The objective of the assistance measure is to strengthen the capacity of the Beninese armed forces to protect the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Benin and its civilian population against internal and external aggression, and to contribute to peace and stability in the region.
To achieve this objective, the assistance measure will finance the following acquisitions
- rear medical support and land medical evacuation capabilities ;
- multifunction operational airlift capacity ;
- capacity-building for Benin’s air force personnel, in particular through a series of refresher courses in piloting techniques and aeronautical maintenance;
- Enhanced command and control capabilities at operational level;
- Additional ISR capabilities to enhance available systems, including an ISR radar;
- training in the use of equipment and training in international human rights law and international humanitarian law;
- logistical support, in particular to improve the security of an ammunition bunker.
PRESENTATION OF THE PROJECT
The northern regions of the coastal countries of the Gulf of Guinea, namely Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire, Benin, and Togo, have been experiencing deteriorating security conditions in connection with the crisis affecting the central Sahel.
In light of the deteriorating security environment in the wider region, strengthening the defence and security forces of Benin is important in order to enable and support stabilisation efforts in that country. In that context, and fully cognisant of the need for an integrated response to that security environment, ensuring long-term peace and security in Benin is a key priority for the Union.
On 5 January 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 and training to strengthen the operational capabilities of the Beninese military units deployed in the north of Benin within the framework of Operation Mirador, as well as of the Groupements Tactiques Interarmées (GTIA) command posts of Natitingou and Kandi, in order to support their efforts to fight non-state armed groups from Burkina Faso and Niger, and to counteract and reduce the opportunities for those groups to commit terrorist attacks.
- Start date: 2024
- Status: In progress
- Financing type: European Union
- Type of contrat : Contribution agreement/indirect management of European funds
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25.3M€Allocated budget
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23monthsAssistance Measure Duration