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Photo by: U.S. Africa Command Public Affairs 

U.S. Air Force Major General Kenneth Ekman, Director, AFRICOM Coordination Element (ACE), met with Minister of National Defence Fortunet Mr. Alain Nouatin and Chief of Defence Staff Major General Fructueux Gbaguidi in Benin.  He visited Parakou Base, conducting engagements with Operation Mirador leaders and 2nd Battalion Commander Lt. Col. Lucien Hounsou and observing U.S.-funded Border Security Training of Forces Aériennes Béninoises (FAB) soldiers, Oct. 28-31, 2024.

General Ekman’s visit highlights the continued U.S. commitment to strengthening partnerships along coastal West Africa, with a focus on enhancing regional security through operational support and capacity-building initiatives with the FAB.

"Strengthening our partnerships along coastal West Africa is not just about security, it’s about building lasting relationships that ensure stability across the region.” said Maj Gen Ekman.  “By working closely with our partners, like the Benin Armed Forces, we empower them to address their own security challenges, while fostering a stronger and more integrated defense network against violent extremism in the region."

By strengthening relationships with regional forces like the Benin Armed Forces, the U.S. helps to build local capacity, ensuring that nations are better equipped to manage their own security needs. This collaborative approach supports long-term stability and allows for a more effective response to a variety of threats, including transnational crime and violent extremism. The engagement also reinforces the idea that collective security is vital for both regional and global peace.

A key aspect of this partnership is operational support provided by the African Partner Recovery Capability fixed- and rotary-wing aircraft conducting personnel recovery, casualty evacuation, and sustainment of Benin Armed Forces (FAB) personnel deployed for Operation Mirador. This support also includes the development of infrastructure, such as a new helicopter landing pad being built for the FAB at Parakou Base. This infrastructure upgrade directly contributes to enhancing the Benin Armed Forces’ ability to conduct critical operations, whether in counterterrorism efforts or disaster relief missions. By investing in the capacity of regional forces, the U.S. plays a pivotal role in strengthening the defense capabilities of its partners, while ensuring a more secure and stable coastal West Africa.

"The new helicopter landing pad at Parakou Base is a tangible step toward enhancing their operational capacity.” said Ekman.  “It’s about providing the necessary infrastructure to ensure that they can respond to security challenges more efficiently and effectively, ultimately strengthening the security architecture of the region."

The North Dakota National Guard has a long-standing partnership with Benin through the U.S. Department of Defense’s State Partnership Program (SPP). This collaboration strengthens military-to-military ties by facilitating joint training, sharing expertise, and providing support to enhance Benin’s defense capabilities. Through this partnership, North Dakota National Guard units work closely with their Beninese counterparts to improve operational readiness, foster regional security, and promote stability in West Africa, while also enhancing institutional ties between North Dakota and Benin.

The AFRICOM Coordination Element (ACE) is part of the U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM), a unified combatant command responsible for U.S. military activities across the African continent. The ACE is responsible for supporting AFRICOM's mission in West Africa by enhancing coordination, communication, and integration with various U.S. government agencies, host nations, and international partners.

U.S. Africa Command is one of seven U.S. Department of Defense geographic combatant commands. The command is responsible for all U.S. military operations, exercises, and security cooperation, and conducts crisis response on the African continent to advance U.S. interests and promote regional security, stability, and prosperity.  The visit highlights U.S. Africa Command's 3D approach, which leverages diplomacy, development, and defense collaboration.  For more information, visit our website, Facebook and Twitter pages, or contact U.S. Africa Command Media Relations at africom-pao-media@mail.mil.