Benin: 35 military personnel and civilians trained aboard the Mistral in Cotonou to counter maritime threats

On October 23, 35 military personnel and civilians completed the fifth Regional Embarked and Digital Training Course (Siren) aboard the French amphibious helicopter carrier Mistral in Cotonou. Organized by the French Navy and the Yaoundé Naval Academy, the course began on September 14 and delivered more than 150 hours of instruction on illicit trafficking, illegal fishing, maritime pollution and rescue at sea. Participants came from the Gulf of Guinea and partner countries, including France, Italy, Brazil, Mauritania and Morocco. Rear Admiral Thierry de La Burgade said the knowledge gained should benefit government agencies and strengthen regional cooperation.