Faced with insecurity in the north, due to attacks by armed groups, the Beninese head of state is strengthening the military means of the army. Patrice Talon made this promise to MPs in late December 2021. In this context, the country has just received three helicopters, according to information from RFI, new equipment ordered by the authorities to strengthen the plan of response against terrorism and armed groups.
, the Beninese army received last week three Puma helicopters of French manufacture, intended for the transport of troops. These helicopters are also armed. Delivered to Cotonou, the planes would have already been shipped to the north of the country and made their first flight.
Before this new acquisition, the Beninese army was already operating with two Squirrel helicopters.
There is the military equipment, but also the increase in numbers in the response plan: the army recruits an exceptional 5,000 men. In addition, military cooperation with neighbouring countries is intensifying: according to our information, Beninese President Patrice Talon will still discuss the subject with his peers on Sunday, July 9 in Bissau, during the ECOWAS summit.
Cotonou also has the support of partners, such as the United States – very discreet – and France: Paris has offered the Beninese army armoured personnel carriers (VAB) and pick-ups.
