On November 14, 2024, a ceremony took place at the Centre de perfectionnement aux actions post-conflictuelles de déminage et de dépollution (CPADD) in Ouidah, Benin. The event marked the conclusion of an Explosive Ordnance Disposal Level 2 (EOD 2) training course for English-speaking trainees.
The session began on September 23, 2024, lasting eight weeks. It was financed by the ECOWAS Commission through its Small Arms Division within the Political Affairs Peace and Security Department. Participants came from various countries: Ghana (1), Guinea Bissau (1), Nigeria (5), Sierra Leone (4), and Gambia (3). The training included both theoretical and practical components.
Colonel Vincent Tomety, representing the Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of Benin, presided over the closing ceremony. Other attendees included CPADD staff, training graduates, Lieutenant-Colonel Djimon Sahgui, Director of CPADD, and the Police Commissioner for Ouidah. Ambassador Abdel-Fatau Musah was represented by ECOWAS Resident Representative in Benin H.E. Amadou Diongue who delivered a speech on his behalf.
Lieutenant-Colonel Djimon SAHGUI expressed gratitude to ECOWAS for supporting CPADD and reiterated CPADD’s request for recognition as an ECOWAS Centre of Excellence.
The cohort’s spokesman also expressed thanks and commitment during his address.
In his speech, H.E. Amadou Diongue congratulated all trainees for their dedication amidst regional terrorism threats. He praised CPADD for successfully fulfilling its training mission since its inception.
