Benin - USA cooperation: Police academy inaugurated with state-of-the-art equipment

The base of the former Compagnie Républicaine de Sécurité (CRS) in Cotonou is now home to the Police Academy, whose new premises were inaugurated on Thursday September 25, 2025. The official ribbon-cutting ceremony for the classrooms and training facilities was presided over by Mr. Alassane SEIDOU, Minister of the Interior and Public Security, in the presence of His Excellency Mr. Brian SHUKAN, Ambassador of the United States to Benin.

On this occasion, the United States Embassy in Benin also donated a large consignment of equipment to the Republican Police units. This consignment of equipment, worth a total of one million US dollars, includes personal protective equipment, uniforms, boots, binoculars, mittens and other items.uniforms, pairs of boots, binoculars, search mirrors, medical bags containing complete emergency medical consumables and various other equipment.

Speaking at the ceremony, Minister Alassane SEIDOU praised the excellent state of relations between Benin and the United States, especially in terms of security cooperation. "Benin remains firmly committed to deepening and diversifying its security cooperation with the United States. The Government of Benin reaffirms its willingness to continue to work towards strengthening the operational capacities of the Republican Police and the necessary synergy with all its international partners to effectively face security challenges..." declared the Minister of the Interior and Public Security.

Mr. Brian SHUKAN, Ambassador of the United States to Benin, reaffirmed his country's willingness to continue its security support to Benin, especially in the current context of the fight against terrorism on its borders.

Source: www.gouv.bj/