EU Assistance Measure Adopted for Beninese Armed Forces

The measures aim to protect Benin's territorial integrity and sovereignty, safeguard its civilian population, and strengthen its navy's capabilities in ensuring maritime security in the Gulf of Guinea, under the Yaoundé Architecture.

The Council has approved an assistance measure worth €5 million under the European Peace Facility to provide the Beninese Armed Forces (Forces Armées Béninoises) with essential military equipment and pre-deployment training.

This decision adds to two previous measures adopted on 21 May and 13 June, worth €25 million and €5 million respectively, bringing the total support for Benin in 2024 to €35 million. This amount represents 27% of Benin's defense budget for the year. The measures aim to protect Benin's territorial integrity and sovereignty, safeguard its civilian population, and strengthen its navy's capabilities in ensuring maritime security in the Gulf of Guinea, under the Yaoundé Architecture.

Key Components of the Assistance

The €5 million assistance will provide the Beninese Armed Forces with:

Multipurpose Military Aircraft: To enhance operational versatility.

Medical and Evacuation Capabilities: Strengthening medical capacities and land medical evacuation capabilities.

National Military Academy: Initiating the creation of an academy for training pilots and aircraft mechanics, including the training of instructors.

Intelligence and Surveillance Equipment: Providing an intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance radar and command and control capacities.

Training Ammunition and Small Arms: For operational training purposes.

Broader Support Framework

The EU's support under the European Peace Facility is part of a comprehensive package combining various tools, including development assistance aimed at preventing and combatting violent extremism, a growing threat to Northern Benin's stability. This package complements the newly launched EU Security and Defence Initiative for the Gulf of Guinea, which aims to enhance peace and stability in the region.

Quotes and Statements

In a statement, the Council emphasized the significance of this support: "This assistance measure demonstrates the EU's commitment to supporting the sovereignty and security of Benin. By equipping the Beninese Armed Forces and enhancing their operational capabilities, we aim to contribute to the stability and peace of the Gulf of Guinea region."

 

The EU's robust support package, including the latest €5 million assistance measure, underscores its dedication to fostering security and stability in Benin and the broader Gulf of Guinea region. Through these initiatives, the EU aims to address and mitigate the threats posed by violent extremism and enhance maritime security, contributing to the overall peace and development of the area.