Deadly Jihadist Attacks Surge in Northern Benin

PORTO-NOVO, Benin — Jihadist attacks in northern Benin are increasing in frequency and intensity, leaving local security forces overwhelmed. Despite enhanced military resources, cooperation gaps with neighboring Burkina Faso have hindered effective countermeasures, according to analyst François Soudan in an interview with RFI.

The violence escalated significantly on April 17, when an assault on two bases of the ‘Mirador’ operation in the W National Park resulted in the deaths of 54 Beninese soldiers. This marks one of the deadliest incidents since terrorism first impacted the region in 2019.

Soudan noted that these recent attacks reflect a troubling rise in jihadist activity, characterized by the mobilization of hundreds of armed militants in the Atacora and Alibori departments, which border Burkina Faso and Niger. While authorities in Benin have reinforced their security measures and military presence since launching the ‘Mirador’ operation in 2022, the army remains in a defensive stance, lacking both preventative measures beyond its borders and the ability to engage in pursuit operations.

“The threat is coming from outside, particularly from Burkina Faso, which has become an open space for terrorist groups,” Soudan explained. He highlighted the deteriorating relations between Beninese President Patrice Talon and military leaders in Burkina Faso, such as Ibrahim Traoré, and in Niger, represented by Abdourahamane Tiani, which have resulted in a lack of necessary security cooperation despite repeated requests from Benin.

The April 17 attack is unprecedented, as it represents the highest death toll for Beninese forces in a confrontation with jihadists in recent history. Political analysts emphasize that addressing the jihadist threat in northern Benin must involve effective military collaboration with both Burkina Faso and Niger.

Previous conflicts, such as the assault on a military base on January 8, are seen as indicative of a disturbing strategic shift by jihadists, who are increasingly aiming to expand their influence from Burkina Faso and Niger into Benin.