EU Bolsters Benin's Police with 30 Vehicles and New Equipment

On September 22, 2026, the Police Republicaine of Benin received 30 vehicles from the European Union. The donation, which also includes drones, radios, ballistic shields, laptops, and a mobile garage, was handed over in the presence of Minister Delegate to the President of the Republic, Djibril Mama Cissé Moussa. This support is part of the EU's Security and Defence Initiative for the Gulf of Guinea (EUSDI GoG), launched in August 2023.

The EUSDI GoG initiative aims to strengthen the security and defence capabilities of countries in the region, including Benin, Côte d'Ivoire, Togo, and Ghana. The program has already provided €11.75 million to Benin's armed forces under the European Peace Facility. At the launch, EU High Representative Josep Borrell stated that the initiative demonstrates the EU's commitment to partnering with countries willing to cooperate.

This is not the first time the EU has provided security assistance to Benin. In March 2025, Benin received a military surveillance aircraft from the EU to enhance detection in the W and Pendjari parks. During a visit to Brussels on June 24, 2026, Benin's President and EU officials elevated security in the north of the country to a shared priority, alongside economic transformation.

EU Ambassador to Benin, Stéphane Mund, reaffirmed the EU's commitment to supporting Benin's efforts to secure its territory and protect its population during the handover ceremony. The donation is part of a broader effort to strengthen Benin's security and defence capabilities. The EU's support has been built over several years, with a focus on addressing the country's security challenges.

On September 23, 2026, a second batch of equipment was handed over to Benin's Water, Forest, and Hunting Directorate. The donation included five vehicles, with five additional drones expected to be delivered soon to support surveillance in difficult-to-reach areas in the northern regions. This support is also part of the EUSDI GoG initiative, which aims to enhance the capacities of administrations facing insecurity.

The EUSDI GoG initiative combines a military and civilian pillar, with advisors deployed in EU delegations in the region to identify the needs of partner countries. Training has already taken place in Benin, with Spanish instructors teaching logistics and maintenance of optronic systems to Beninese military and national gendarmerie personnel.

The consecutive handover ceremonies to the police and water and forest directorate confirm the diversification of Beninese beneficiaries of EU support, which now extends beyond the military. The EU's engagement in Benin's security sector is expected to continue, with a focus on supporting the country's efforts to address its security challenges.

Key points

• The EU has donated 30 vehicles, drones, and other equipment to Benin's Police Republicaine to enhance security.
• The donation is part of the EU's Security and Defence Initiative for the Gulf of Guinea (EUSDI GoG), launched in August 2023.
• The EU's support to Benin's security sector is part of a broader effort to strengthen the country's security and defence capabilities.