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| Africa Subsaharan |
| Benin and France Committed to Securing the Gulf of Guinea |
| 2025-11-12 |
Text: Regional Military Cooperation: Benin and France Committed to Securing the Gulf of Guinea As part of strengthening military cooperation between Benin and France, the French Navy's projection and command vessel PHA Tonnerre made a notable stopover in Beninese waters from November 2 to 9, 2025. The visit of the amphibious helicopter carrier (PHA) Tonnerre to Benin is part of the regional maritime cooperation operation CORYMBE, which aims to bolster security in the Gulf of Guinea, a strategic region facing piracy, trafficking, and illegal fishing. It also sought to foster exchanges between the armed forces of the two countries through joint ground training, particularly during the "Zangbeto 2025" counter-terrorism exercise. JOINT MANEUVERS FOR STRENGTHENED COOPERATION During its stay, the PHA Tonnerre contributed to carrying out intensive activities to build operational capacity. Among the highlights, joint beach reconnaissance exercises brought together Beninese and French divers, while onboard fire-fighting simulations and helo-hoisting maneuvers tested the responsiveness and coordination of the teams. A beach landing sequence provided practical training scenarios for warrant officer cadets from the National Warrant Officer School in Ouidah on disembarkation techniques, position relief, and tactical exercises focused on securing targets in lagoon environments. The Tonnerre's stopover also provided an opportunity for a logistics exercise involving trainees from the Ouidah Logistics Academy, who came to exchange with French military personnel on methods for managing and coordinating embarked operations. A HIGHLY APPRECIATED PUBLIC OPENING Upon entering Beninese territorial waters on November 2, the Tonnerre was welcomed by Rear Admiral Fernand Ahoyo, Maritime Prefect; the French Ambassador to Benin, Nadège Chouat; and the European Union Ambassador to Benin, Sandrine Platteau. The three dignitaries boarded the vessel for fruitful discussions on security and regional cooperation issues in the Gulf of Guinea. Until its departure from Cotonou on November 9, the Tonnerre widely opened its doors to the public. Hundreds of visitors, including Beninese dignitaries and curious onlookers from all walks of life, were able to explore the ship's facilities and interact with its crew. This stopover bears witness to the shared commitment of Benin and France to a safer Gulf of Guinea, within the framework of military cooperation resolutely focused on countering terrorism, in service of regional development and stability. The PHA Tonnerre, the second largest ship in the French Navy after the Charles de Gaulle, carries helicopters, amphibious vehicles, 650 troops, a hospital, and a command zone. Its versatility makes it a key player in regional cooperation. |
| Posted by:badanov |
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| Posted by: NoMoreBS 2025-11-12 14:16 |