Benin reshuffles its top military command
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on Beninintelligent
Lieutenant General Abou Issa becomes chief of staff of the Beninese Armed Forces, replacing Lieutenant General Fructueux Gbaguidi. The latter takes charge of the permanent secretariat of the National Defence and Security Council, while several other officers change roles, according to Beninintelligent.
The Beninese government on Wednesday 4 November appointed Lieutenant General Abou Issa chief of staff of the Beninese Armed Forces, replacing Lieutenant General Ahodénongn Candide Fructueux Gbaguidi, Beninintelligent reports. The latter becomes permanent secretary of the National Defence and Security Council.
The change brings a new distribution of responsibilities across several branches of the army. Colonel André Dokoui Fofo takes charge of the army, with Colonel Toussaint Gbesseméhlan as his deputy. In the National Guard, Major Colonel Codjo Saturnin Obelakoun succeeds Brigadier General Faïzou Gomina, who has been appointed adviser for international military cooperation.
The air force will be led by Colonel Hervé Sètondji Allotchenou, assisted by Colonel Grégoire Yaovi Ametonou. In the navy, Captain Dossa Hounkpatin remains chief of staff and Captain Émile Siemba Sama becomes his deputy. Major Colonel Hermann William Avocah has been appointed adviser on third-dimension strategy at the Ministry of National Defence.
The appointments came on the same day as the meeting between the Beninese defence minister and the Haitian army chief, the Haitian army chief, as well as the announcement of a training programme for Haitian Armed Forces officers.
