Thirty-five trainees completed the fifth edition of the Stage d’instruction régionale embarqué et numérique (Siren) in Benin on 23 October 2026. The training program, which focuses on maritime security in the Golfe de Guinée, began on 14 September 2026. This intensive program represents a dedicated effort to bolster the technical capabilities of maritime professionals operating within the coastal waters of the region.
Commissaire général Thierry de La Burgade addressed the participants at the conclusion of the session. He stated, "ces connaissances doivent désormais profiter aux administrations et nourrir la coopération régionale." The course provided instruction to personnel from several nations, including France, Italie, Brésil, Mauritanie, and Maroc, to improve collaborative operations at sea. Officials held the closing ceremony in Cotonou to mark the end of the weeks-long curriculum. This event served as a formal recognition of the commitment shown by the thirty-five trainees who successfully finished the rigorous program requirements.
Scope of Maritime Instruction
Curriculum modules for the Siren program encompassed over 150 hours of instruction. Participants studied methods to address illicit trafficking, illegal fishing, maritime pollution, and sea rescue operations. These subjects form the core of the technical training provided to regional maritime personnel during the multi-week course. The instruction is designed to equip attendees with the practical skills necessary to manage complex maritime security challenges effectively. By focusing on these specific areas, the training ensures that personnel are better prepared for the diverse responsibilities they encounter while patrolling and monitoring the maritime domain.
Operation Corymbe facilitates the presence of the French amphibious helicopter carrier Mistral in Cotonou. The vessel arrived in the port city on 22 October 2026 and will remain docked until 27 October 2026. Military officials utilize the ship’s stopover to support ongoing maritime security engagements in the region. The presence of the Mistral provides a logistical and operational platform for the various training activities conducted during this period.
Siren program organizers report that 136 participants have completed the curriculum since the initiative began in 2022. This figure represents the cumulative number of trainees who have finished the course across all five editions held to date. The consistent participation from various nations notes the ongoing relevance of the program in fostering stronger regional ties. As the Siren program continues to evolve, it remains a central component of the broader efforts to enhance maritime safety and security protocols through structured training and international cooperation. The conclusion of this fifth edition marks another milestone in the collaborative history of the participating nations and their shared commitment to maintaining secure and orderly maritime environments.
