(Ecofin Agency) - Since 2021, Benin has been subjected to several terrorist attacks attributed to jihadist groups, like many other countries in the West African sub-region.

On January 8, 28 soldiers were killed in an attack in northern Benin, according to multiple media sources. The West African country has been facing terrorist attacks since the end of 2021, primarily attributed to jihadist groups operating along its borders with Burkina Faso and Niger. In response to these attacks, the authorities launched Operation Mirador, which led to the recruitment of several thousand soldiers to bolster the country’s security forces.

In July 2022, Benin also signed an agreement with Niger to improve coordination between the two countries in the fight against terrorism. The Minister of National Defense of Niger, Alkassoum Indattou, stated at the time, “Niger is ready to do whatever is necessary to help other countries remain resilient in the fight against terrorism.” Moreover, several foreign partners donated military equipment to strengthen Benin’s defense capabilities.

Let’s note that many countries in the West African sub-region, including Burkina Faso, Niger, Mali, and Nigeria, are struggling with insecurity and violence due to terrorist attacks. According to ECOWAS, the border region between Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger recorded 1,814 terrorist incidents, resulting in 4,593 deaths in the first half of 2023.