Benin refutes presence of French Barkhane forces

Benin has denied the presence of French troops of Barkhane Operation fighting terrorism in the Sahel region.

Wilfried Leandre Hougbedji, spokesperson for the cabinet of the President Patrice Talon, said French forces found at Kandi in the department of Alibori, are French instructors in the country to beef up the ability of Benin forces in the fight against terrorism, ‘24H Au Benin’ reports.

American and Belgian soldiers are also in the country as part of training program against terrorism, Hougbedji added.

“Once the training sessions are over, they will leave after transferring expertise to our forces in every domain,” he added.

The comments came after public opinion took a military helicopter hoovering the departments of Alibori and Borgou for an aircraft from Chad-based Barkhane Operation.

Hougbedi added that the aircraft is a Russia-based Mi8 helicopter of the Benin army for logistical purpose. “Benin pilots are currently being trained to fly the helicopter by the instructors,” the government official added.

Benin has been grappling with terrorism near the border with Burkina Faso, a neighbor struggling with terrorism activities.