On Friday January 10, 2025, a civilian helicopter chartered by the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM) was forced to make a forced landing in the locality of Sèdjè-Dénou, located in the commune of Zè, in the department of the Atlantic, outside Cotonou. The incident was caused by a partial mechanical failure, but fortunately no casualties were reported.
The United States embassy near Benin quickly confirmed the incident this Saturday, January 11, 2025. The device, according to American authorities, was part of a support mission to the Beninese Armed Forces (FAB), in particular for medical evacuations. This support is part of a memorandum of understanding between AFRICOM and the FAB, aimed at strengthening cooperation in security and humanitarian crisis management.
In an official statement, the United States Department of Public Affairs expressed appreciation that no injuries were caused by the incident: “We are grateful that no injuries were caused by this incident. It illustrates the close collaboration between the United States and Benin to ensure the security and well-being of populations in the region.”
This incident comes against a backdrop of enhanced cooperation between the United States and Benin, with joint efforts to improve crisis response capabilities and support security operations on the ground.
A few days ago, the neighboring country of Togo was shaken by a new terrorist attack in the north, leading to heavy loss of life, both on the part of the Beninese armed forces and terrorist groups.
