This month, two specialized Mobile Training Teams (MTTs) from Spain’s Canary Islands Command (MCANA) are conducting technical training in Benin, underscoring the EU’s long-term engagement with West African partners. These activities are central to the EU’s strategic vision of a resilient and self-sufficient regional security architecture.

The first of the ongoing initiatives, a Generator Maintenance course, is being held from April 28 to May 9 at the Direction de Matériel des Armées (DMA) in Cotonou. Conducted by the 24th Logistics Unit of MCANA, the course emphasizes the critical role of logistics in operational readiness. It equips Beninese personnel with the knowledge to select, operate, and maintain power generators essential to field operations, thereby enhancing their long-term functionality and energy efficiency.

Simultaneously, from May 5 to 23, another MCANA team is delivering a course in Imagery Intelligence (IMINT). This training empowers Beninese forces to effectively interpret aerial imagery and convert it into actionable intelligence—an essential skill for tactical and strategic decision-making in complex operational environments.

These trainings are part of a broader European initiative under CFSP Decision 2023/1599, which established the EU SDI GoG to reinforce the capacity of security and defense institutions in Benin and Ghana. Through this initiative, the EU—alongside key member states including Spain, France, Belgium, and Portugal—seeks to help regional partners address the growing threat of armed terrorist groups and foster lasting human security.

Spain’s role in the mission is substantial. Since the initiative’s launch in 2023, Spanish forces have conducted four prior training sessions in Benin focused on optical equipment maintenance and logistics. The two current programs add to this legacy and further affirm Spain’s—and the EU’s—commitment to supporting African-led solutions.

The Gulf of Guinea remains a strategic priority for the European Union, both in terms of security cooperation and in its broader agenda for regional development. The goal is to help partner nations not only defend their borders but also create the conditions for sustainable peace, enabling local governments to focus on improving public services, socio-economic development, and resilience against extremist threats.

Through continued cooperation, the EU envisions a durable and equitable partnership—rooted in mutual trust and shared goals—that strengthens the sovereignty and security of Gulf of Guinea nations for generations to come.