Benin's land forces have a new chief, Colonel André Dokoui Fofo, who officially took command on November 12, 2026. He succeeded General Issa Abou, now the chief of staff of the Beninese armed forces. The handover ceremony involved signing documents and a flag transfer from the outgoing commander to the new Chief of Staff of the Land Forces (CEMAT) by Minister Delegate for Defense, Gildas Agonkan. This follows Fofo's appointment by the Council of Ministers a week earlier.
Colonel Fofo brings 17 months of experience commanding Operation Mirador, which targets terrorist groups. He emphasized continuity, stating, "On ne change pas ce qui marche" ("We don't change what works"), though adjustments may be made based on ground realities. His focus is on enhancing military training and operations. Fofo described Beninese soldiers as "dignes, solidaires, compétents, professionnels" ("worthy, supportive, competent, professionals") and committed to fighting terrorism.
Fofo's priority is to defend Benin's territorial integrity, protect its people and assets, and secure its borders. The fight against terrorism remains a core concern. He expressed confidence in the military's capabilities, stating that the terrorist enemy is "not above the capacity of the Beninese armed forces." Fofo believes his troops have the necessary resources to counter the threat.
As the new land forces chief, Colonel Fofo aims to build on his experience with Operation Mirador. He plans to provide more focused training to enhance operational capabilities. Fofo's promotion to this role brings broader responsibilities but maintains a central goal: strengthening Beninese soldiers' capacities to defend against security threats.
The new CEMAT's comments reflect his understanding of Benin's security landscape. He acknowledged the need for adaptability but emphasized continuity in successful strategies. Fofo's statements have been closely followed by local and international observers.
Colonel Fofo's appointment and statements come amid ongoing regional security challenges. Benin, like neighboring countries, faces threats from terrorist groups. The country's military strategy under Fofo's leadership will likely be closely watched for its effectiveness in addressing these threats.
The transfer of command to Colonel Fofo marks a new chapter for Benin's land forces. His experience and stated priorities suggest a continued focus on counter-terrorism efforts and military capability enhancement. The success of these efforts will depend on various factors, including resource allocation and strategic partnerships.
Key points
- Colonel André Dokoui Fofo takes command of Benin's land forces, vowing to enhance soldier training and combat readiness against terrorism.
