The Beninese military has initiated an outreach program to connect with the families of soldiers who lost their lives or went missing while on duty. A delegation, led by Colonel-Major Sansima Tchankpéga, began a tour of the southern and central regions on October 6, 2026. This second phase of the program follows an initial stage in the northern region. The effort aims to strengthen ties between the military institution and the families of fallen soldiers.
The military's outreach program is part of a broader series of social actions undertaken to support the families of deceased soldiers. Each academic year, the Ministry of National Defense distributes school kits to the children of fallen military personnel. This program, now in its seventh edition, has benefited over 900 children. Additionally, the military provides food kits to these families during festive periods, as seen in the ceremony held on December 22, 2025, in Abomey-Calavi.
A law has been enacted to provide for the care of families of fallen soldiers, including a death benefit and health insurance cards that grant them access to free medical care. The current outreach program seeks to update the administrative dossiers of these families and gather their requests. The delegation will visit eight departments, including Collines, Zou, Ouémé, Plateau, Mono, Couffo, Atlantique, and Littoral. Key stops include Dassa-Zoumè, Cana, Gbada, Lokossa, Ouidah, Allada, and Abomey-Calavi.
Colonel-Major Sansima Tchankpéga emphasized that this initiative reflects the military high command's commitment to prioritizing the welfare of soldiers and their families. The program was launched at the 5th Inter-Armed Battalion in Dassa-Zoumè and will conclude on October 12, 2026, at the Abomey-Calavi Transmission Battalion. The outreach effort aims to provide a platform for the military to listen to the concerns of these families.
The delegation, sent by Chief of General Staff General Fructueux Gbaguidi, is tasked with presenting the available support mechanisms to the families of fallen soldiers. This includes providing information on existing aid programs and ensuring that the families are aware of the resources available to them. By doing so, the military seeks to reinforce its bond with these families.
The tour will enable the military to assess the effectiveness of its current support programs and identify areas for improvement. This proactive approach underscores the institution's dedication to supporting its personnel and their loved ones. The Beninese military's initiative is seen as a positive step towards enhancing the well-being of families affected by military service.
As the program progresses, it is expected to have a positive impact on the lives of the families of fallen soldiers. By providing them with the necessary support and resources, the military aims to ease their burden and demonstrate its appreciation for their loved ones' sacrifices. The outreach program is a testament to the military's commitment to caring for its own.
Key points
- The Beninese military has begun an outreach program to connect with families of soldiers who died or went missing in service.
- The program includes providing school kits and food assistance to families of fallen soldiers.
- A law has been enacted to provide death benefits and health insurance to families of deceased soldiers.
