APA-Cotonou (Benin) – The Japanese embassy in Cotonou is to donate rolling stock to the Beninese authorities to help in the fight against terrorism.
The Beninese authorities are receiving a major boost in their fight against the insurgent groups that often operate in the north of the country. The Japanese government has promised to reinforce the country’s armed logistics with rolling stock to combat the jihadists, who want to establish themselves in the countries of the Gulf of Guinea after overrunning territories of the Sahel.
The memorandum of understanding for the “non-refundable donation” worth 1.650 billion CFA francs was signed on Tuesday 24 October between the Japanese embassy in Cotonou and Benin’s Minister of the Interior, Alassane Seidou, and his colleague in charge of the Economy and Finance, Romuald Wadagni.
The authorities point out that the equipment will be used by the Republican Police and the Civil Protection Department.
Motonobu Ichijo, Chargé d’Affaires at the Japanese Embassy in Cotonou, said: “The government of Japan, which is very concerned about improving the security system, is once again showing its friendship and solidarity with the people of Benin.”
Since December 2021, part of northern Benin has been targeted by armed militant groups.
Their incursions, through targeted attacks, have already cost the lives of dozens of civilians and soldiers.
The commune of Kerou in the north-west of the country bore the brunt recently.
In May 2023 armed men infiltrated a village, killing 13 of its residents in what is believed to be the deadliest insurgent attack in the country.
RK/odl/te/fss/as/APA