Benin’s Minister Delegate for National Defense, Gildas Agonkan, held discussions with European Union counter-terrorism coordinator Bartjan Wegter in Cotonou on 13 October 2026. The meeting aimed to deepen security cooperation between the West African nation and the bloc. During the session, Gildas Agonkan identified a primary objective of the partnership, stating the goal is to "tirer le meilleur parti de l’expertise, de l’expérience et des bonnes pratiques de l’Union européenne pour mieux nous équiper, mieux prévenir et mieux répondre aux menaces asymétriques qui pèsent sur la stabilité nationale et sous-régionale." Both officials reviewed strategies to address security challenges affecting Benin and the broader region. The dialogue marks a formal step in aligning local defense initiatives with European technical and operational support. This specific meeting on 13 October 2026 between Gildas Agonkan and Bartjan Wegter serves to reinforce the ongoing security architecture established between the two parties.
Existing European Security Support
European Council President Charles Michel announced 47 million euros in funding to support counter-terrorism efforts in Benin in April 2024. This financial commitment serves as a component of the ongoing security cooperation between the European Union and the Beninese government. The allocation of these 47 million euros was designed to bolster the capacity of national security forces to manage the evolving threat environment.
The European Union provided an aerial surveillance aircraft to the Beninese armed forces in March 2025. This equipment was allocated specifically to support Operation Mirador, a military campaign focused on regional security. The delivery of the aerial surveillance aircraft in March 2025 represented a significant increase in the technical capabilities available to the Beninese armed forces as they conduct their operations.
French, Ivorian, and Beninese chiefs of staff convened in March 2026. The officials met to discuss trilateral coordination regarding the jihadist threat affecting the three nations. This trilateral meeting in March 2026 focused on the practical implementation of shared strategies to mitigate the impact of the jihadist threat across the borders of France, Ivory Coast, and Benin.
The Beninese defense ministry hosted a delegation from Nigeria in August 2026. General Christopher Gwabin Musa led the visiting group during discussions centered on security cooperation between the two neighboring countries. The visit by the delegation led by General Christopher Gwabin Musa in August 2026 noted the importance of collaborative efforts between Benin and Nigeria to enhance stability. These discussions between the Beninese defense ministry and the Nigerian delegation showed the necessity of maintaining consistent communication channels between neighboring military establishments. Through these various meetings and the provision of equipment, Benin continues to integrate its national security strategy with international partners and regional allies to address the complex security landscape.
