Japan backs Benin’s counterterrorism efforts with equipment worth $2.7m

Japan will provide Benin with rolling stock worth $2.7 million to contribute to the fight against terrorism in the north of the West African country.

The assistance was the subject of an agreement signed by Ichijo Motonbu, the interim Chargé d’Affaires at the Japanese embassy in Benin, and Romuald Wadagni, Benin’s Finance and Economy Minister in capital Cotonou.

The funds are non-refundable. The two sides did not spell out the rolling stocks. Benin suffered its first terror attack in 2019 after two French citizens were kidnapped from Benin’s Pendjari National Park and their local guide murdered.

Several attacks ensued. The State blamed armed men and terrorists from neighboring Burkina Faso for the attacks. Authorities until September this year claimed 40 civilians and 20 soldiers have been killed over the past three years.