VICENZA, Italy – The commanding general of the U.S. Army’s Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF) visited Benin Jan. 22-23 to strengthen relationships between the U.S. Army and the Benin Armed Forces.
During the visit, Maj. Gen. Todd Wasmund met with Benin Chief of Army Staff Brig. Gen. Abou Issa in Cotonou to discuss defense cooperation and opportunities for additional partnership.
“The Benin Armed Forces play an essential role in promoting regional stability and we look forward to expanding our partnership and supporting their security objectives,” said Wasmund.
During the visit, Wasmund invited the Benin Armed Forces to participate in the training exercise African Lion, U.S. Africa Command’s premier training exercise on the continent of Africa, planned and executed by SETAF-AF.
Benin and the United States have a long history of security cooperation.
Benin has also worked closely with the North Dakota National Guard since 2014 as part of the U.S. Department of Defense National Guard Bureau State Partnership Program.
U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa provides U.S. Africa Command and U.S. Army Europe and Africa a dedicated headquarters to synchronize Army activities in Africa and scalable crisis response options in Africa and Europe.