Cotonou, Benin — 13 October 2025. As part of the European Union Security and Defence Initiative for the Gulf of Guinea (EUSDI GoG), two non-commissioned officers from Spain’s Army Logistics Unit No. 24 (ULOG 24), based in Melilla, have been deployed to Benin to provide specialized training in military logistics.

The four-week course, which began on 6 October in Cotonou, is being conducted in collaboration with the Beninese Armed Forces at the Direction de Matériel des Armées (DMA). The training focuses on the management of modern military driving centres and the preparation of future driving instructors for the Beninese Army, Navy, and Air Force.

The Spanish Mobile Training Team (MTT)—Second Lieutenant Juan Carlos Jiménez Capel and Sergeant Jesús Manuel Úbeda Crespo—is currently training six Beninese soldiers who will, in turn, train additional instructors within their own armed forces. This approach aims to strengthen local capabilities and promote self-sustaining military education within Benin’s defence institutions.

According to Second Lieutenant Jiménez Capel, 

“This experience in Benin has been extremely positive. The professionalism, experience and dedication of the Beninese military have been remarkable, and we have received a warm and respectful welcome. The hospitality of the people here truly reflects the cultural richness of this country.”

This training mission reflects the European Union’s broader commitment to peace, security, and stability in West Africa, where regional cooperation is key to addressing shared challenges such as terrorism, maritime insecurity, and organized crime.

EU Security and Defence Initiative for the Gulf of Guinea

The EUSDI GoG, established under Council Decision (CFSP) 2023/1599, is a European initiative designed to enhance the military and security capacities of partner countries in the Gulf of Guinea—Côte d'Ivoire, Ghana, Togo, and Benin. The initiative supports the development of national armed forces capable of responding effectively to regional security threats and contributes to long-term stability and resilience.

Since joining the initiative in October 2024, Spain has played an active role within the EU framework. Spanish military personnel have so far delivered twelve training courses across the region, including ten in Benin, one in Côte d’Ivoire, and one in Ghana. Training topics have ranged from logistics and countering improvised explosive devices to signals intelligence and electronic warfare—always tailored to the needs of the partner nations involved.

Through initiatives like the EUSDI GoG, the European Union continues to demonstrate its commitment to cooperative security and sustainable capacity-building, reinforcing partnerships with African nations and contributing to the stability of the Gulf of Guinea region.