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(Ecofin Agency) – Since late 2021, Benin has faced terrorist attacks from jihadist groups in its northern regions. In response, the government has deployed thousands of soldiers to secure its borders with Niger and Burkina Faso.
Benin army announced earlier this month it has received military equipment from China. The donation, which aims to boost the country’s counter-terrorism efforts, includes howitzers and related accessories. It is expected to enhance the Beninese Army’s ability to address operational challenges in counter-terrorism efforts, according to a statement from the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Benin.
In March 2023, China had already donated four Norinco PMR-50 drones to Porto-Novo, aiding the armed forces in their fight against jihadist groups near the borders with Niger and Burkina Faso. China uses military donations to bolster its influence in Africa, where it has significant economic interests. Ilaria Carrozza, a senior researcher at the Peace Research Institute Oslo (PRIO), noted that “donating arms, training and equipment is viewed in Beijing as a way to foster mutually beneficial relations with African countries, and to promote economic and political exchanges in the long term”. Her comments were reported by South China Morning Post.
However, David Shinn, an expert on China-Africa relations and professor at George Washington University’s Elliott School of International Affairs, argues that these “modest” donations have minimal impact on counter-terrorism efforts. “Only ending the root causes of terrorism will rein it in – not the provision of artillery howitzers,” he said.
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