The training of new recruits for the benefit of the Defense and Security Forces was launched last Wednesday at the Bèmbèrèkè Military Training Center (CFMB). A propitious disposition to be able, no doubt, to respond to the security challenges that have been imposed on Benin for some time.
To great ills, great remedies. The current government will have understood the full meaning of the proverb. National security, beyond what was hoped for, is a major challenge. The terrorist turmoil that the country, especially the northern part, has faced during this year, is enough to serve as proof. This anxiety caused by the horrors of terrorism cannot become the daily life of the populations in general and those of the north in particular. In this dynamic, the training of 1204 new agents recruited for the reinforcement of the workforce of the Defense and Security Forces and the operational defense of the territory was launched under the control of Fortunet Alain Nouatin, Minister of National Defense accompanied by Fructueux Gbaguidi, Brigadier General, Chief of General Staff of the Beninese Armed Forces and Lieutenant-Colonel Henri Agossou Toze, Commander of the Bèmbèrèkè Military Training Center (CFMB). Taking the measure of what is at stake, the supervisory authority wants everything to take place according to the rules of the art in complete impartiality. His message to supervisors and trainers seems to sum it all up. “Your mission is to forge men, to transform them and to shape their minds. You are a mirror and a guide for them. Make these young men into accomplished men. I do not want to receive any reports of abuse or harassment from you,” the minister said. This is also in line with the Head of State who makes security a priority by recruiting new agents every year to strengthen the staff. Deviating from this will would only be a compromise. Those concerned are aware of this. If Fructueux Gbaguidi advised to remain united to follow the teachings in order to reassure the people of Benin in the face of the threats of the moment, Lieutenant-Colonel Henri Agossou Toze promises that “the stay of these young people will not be a party of pleasure. It is the profession of arms that requires it. They will be subjected to endurance exercises, muscular and psychological strengthening, putting under permanent stress conditions and others”. Forging new recruits, transforming them and shaping their minds would not be effectively a reality without the provision of heavy equipment from the field. Comprehensive training in this context cannot be accomplished without having the hand of drone experience and the requisite artillery. If there is no longer any doubt that this is a response to deal with security issues, it would be ideal for the training to meet current expectations. The tranquility of the populations requires it.
Fidégnon HOUEDOHOUN