Report

Rwanda and Benin want to strengthen their military cooperation

Audio 01:20

Rwandan President Paul Kagame (center) holds talks with Beninese Foreign Minister Aurélien Agbenonci as he arrives in Cotonou, April 15, 2023. AFP - YANICK FOLLY

Text by: RFI Follow

2 min

Rwandan President Paul Kagame concludes this Sunday, April 16, a state visit to Benin. He was accompanied by his wife and several members of his government. A final communiqué and a press conference sanctioned Saturday's program. Agriculture, digital, tourism and security were the subject of exchanges and agreement between the two delegations. This is the first state visit by a foreign head of state since Patrice Talon came to power.

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With our correspondent in Cotonou, Jean-Luc Aplogan

The protocol prepared and reserved for the Rwandan president all the honors. He also developed a parallel program for the two first ladies, Ms. Talon and Ms. Kagame. The joint communiqué presented digital, sustainable development, agriculture and the terrorist threat as sectors of cooperation discussed between Beninese and Rwandans.

Military cooperation should be strengthened, the joint statement said. "We are happy to share our expertise and there is no limit to what we want to accomplish together," said the Rwandan president. "We want to go further," adds Patrice Talon.

«

The military cooperation between Benin and Rwanda will be expressed within the framework of our action for the benefit of Burkina Faso for security in that country and, by extension, in northern Benin. It can start with coaching, training, expertise up to if the need arises, joint deployment. If there are Rwandans working in Benin in civilian life, why should Rwandan soldiers not work in Benin, vice versa," said President Talon.

Patrice Talon talks about his border with Burkina Faso. The Beninese army has been working to secure it since mid-February. The Beninese Head of State went to Ouagadougou to inform Captain Traoré. It is not yet known what part Rwanda will play in this operation to secure southern Burkina Faso. The Beninese army remains silent on the issue.

🇷🇼 🇧🇯 Arrival at the Marina Palace of H.E. Mr. @PaulKagame, President of the Rep. Rwanda in the context of a State visit to Benin. He was welcomed by the #Prbenin @PatriceTalonPR. This was followed by a tête-à-tête between the two Heads of State. #BeninDiplomatie pic.twitter.com/b3fYXtu7DM

— Presidency of Benin (@PresidenceBenin) April 15, 2023

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• Rwanda
• Benin