The Beninese Civil Protection Agency (ABPC) has received a significant donation of equipment from the International Organization for Migration (IOM) to strengthen its disaster response capabilities. The handover ceremony took place at the Ministry of Interior and Public Security on September 22, 2026, and was presided over by Minister Delegate for Interior and Public Security, Djibril Mama Cissé. The donation, valued at approximately 54 million FCFA ($87,000), includes 20 Apache motorcycles with accessories, 4 lady motorcycles, and computer equipment such as computers, tablets, and TV screens.
The equipment is part of the "Support to the Resilience of Forcibly Displaced Persons and Host Communities in North Benin, Côte d'Ivoire, Ghana, and Togo" project, funded by the European Union. This project aims to enhance the government's ability to manage population movements and provide support to displaced persons. The donation is a testament to the commitment of the Beninese government and its partners to strengthen mechanisms for monitoring and managing population movements.
Minister Djibril Mama Cissé emphasized that the issue of forced displacement has become a major challenge for states. He welcomed the IOM's support, which he believes will concretely enhance the operational capacities of the ABPC, professionalize its teams, and improve information sharing and inter-institutional coordination. The minister's sentiments highlight the importance of collaboration between the government and international organizations in addressing disaster response and population movement.
Étienne Banga, head of the IOM office in Cotonou, expressed satisfaction with the excellent cooperation with the Ministry of Interior. He stressed that the support aims to strengthen the resilience of populations and national capacities for prevention, preparedness, and response to emergency situations. The equipment will enable ABPC field teams to more effectively collect, store, analyze, and visualize data related to displacements.
The donation includes computer equipment that will enable ABPC teams to improve data analysis and visualization. This will enhance the agency's ability to track population movements and respond to disasters more effectively. The project aligns with the Beninese government's efforts to strengthen its disaster response mechanisms and provide support to affected populations.
Minister Cissé instructed the Director-General of ABPC, Contrôleur Général de Police Abel Aziz Bio Djibril, to ensure the judicious distribution and optimal use of the received equipment. This instruction underscores the importance of accountability and effective utilization of resources in disaster response.
The "Support to the Resilience of Forcibly Displaced Persons and Host Communities" project is a significant initiative aimed at enhancing the resilience of populations in the region. The project's success will depend on effective collaboration between the Beninese government, IOM, and other stakeholders. The equipment donation is a crucial step towards achieving the project's objectives and strengthening Benin's disaster response capabilities.
Key points
- The Beninese Civil Protection Agency receives $87,000 worth of equipment from IOM to enhance disaster response and population movement management.
- The equipment donation is part of the "Support to the Resilience of Forcibly Displaced Persons and Host Communities" project, funded by the European Union.
- The project aims to strengthen the government's ability to manage population movements and provide support to displaced persons.
