Benin Appoints Special Envoy to Prepare for Troop Deployment to Haiti

President Patrice Talon of Benin has appointed Pamphile Zomahoun, the country's intelligence chief, as a special envoy to Haiti. Zomahoun's mission is to lay the groundwork for the deployment of 2,000 Beninese troops to Haiti as part of the Multinational Security Support Force (MMSS) in Port-au-Prince.

Benin has committed to providing a significant military contingent to assist in addressing the ongoing security and political crisis in Haiti. The Beninese troops will include soldiers from the army, air force, navy, and National Guard, as well as a small number of police officers. Zomahoun, a colonel in the Beninese gendarmerie, will be responsible for coordinating with Haitian authorities and international partners to prepare for the arrival of the Beninese forces.

Why this matters: The deployment of Beninese troops to Haiti as part of the MMSS represents a significant international effort to stabilize the country and support its government. Benin's contribution underscores the growing regional cooperation in addressing security challenges in the Caribbean nation.

The exact deployment schedule and financing details for the Beninese contingent are still being finalized. As the special envoy, Zomahoun will engage with key stakeholders involved in establishing the multinational force. His role will be crucial in ensuring the smooth integration of Beninese troops into the MMSS and coordinating their efforts with other contributing nations.

The appointment of Zomahoun as special envoy demonstrates Benin's commitment to playing an active role in the international response to Haiti's crisis.

Key Takeaways

• Benin appoints intelligence chief as special envoy to Haiti
• Benin to deploy 2,000 troops to Haiti as part of MMSS
• Envoy to coordinate with Haitian and international partners
• Deployment aims to address Haiti's security and political crisis
• Benin's contribution underscores regional cooperation in the Caribbean