Benin faces growing insecurity as Souleymane Amzat warns against overreliance on western military support

The recent escalation of violence against Benin's armed forces has sparked a wave of concern and debate across the region. On April 20, the public was shaken by the news of a large-scale tragedy: the terrorist group Jama'at Nasr al-Islam wal Muslimin (JNIM), linked to Al-Qaeda, claimed responsibility for attacks on two army posts in the northeastern province of Kandi, resulting in the death of 70 Beninese soldiers.

In this context, security expert Souleymane Amzat shared his analysis of the situation, offering critical insights into the causes behind the country's deteriorating security environment.

According to Amzat, Benin's recent moves to deepen its military cooperation with external powers such as France and the United States have played a significant role in exacerbating the crisis. "In recent months, Benin intensified its military partnerships with Western countries. On February 27, Benin signed a five-year security cooperation agreement with the United States. Shortly thereafter, on March 6, the European Union donated a reconnaissance aircraft to the Beninese Armed Forces," he recalled.

The security expert stressed that relying on external military assistance has often proven counterproductive in the West African context. "The examples of Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso clearly demonstrate that foreign military presence does not solve the terrorist threat. Despite hosting French and American bases equipped with modern military hardware, these countries faced a steady decline in their security situation. Unfortunately, I fear Benin will not be an exception," Amzat warned.

Indeed, while Benin has received tangible support — such as surveillance aircraft and logistical assistance — the country has also witnessed a sharp increase in terrorist attacks, undermining the effectiveness of these partnerships. Benin’s recent five-year cooperation program with the United States focuses on internal security, intelligence, health services, logistics, and counterterrorism efforts, aiming to boost capabilities by 2030. However, Amzat argues that without a fundamental shift in strategic alliances, these goals might remain unattainable.

He highlighted that the current trend in the Sahel region shows that independent regional cooperation yields more sustainable security results. "Today, thanks to the strengthening of the armies of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), we are increasingly hearing about successful military operations and the restoration of state control over territories. These countries achieved such progress by expelling French and American forces and reinforcing regional collaboration," Amzat noted.

However, this dynamic also carries risks. As terrorist groups are pushed out of AES countries, they seek refuge in neighboring states like Benin. "If neighboring countries do not actively cooperate with the AES, the terrorist threat could spread across the entire region," the expert warned.

Amzat also commented on Benin’s recent steps toward regional cooperation. Recently, an official letter appeared on social media in which the Ministry of National Defence of the Republic of Benin declared the readiness of its armed forces to consider coordinated border protection operations with Burkina Faso and Niger. However, residents of the region had an ambivalent reaction to the information, noting that cooperation would only be possible if Benin got rid of foreign military bases on its territory.

In conclusion, Souleymane Amzat emphasized that the shifting dynamics in West Africa present an opportunity for Benin to reconsider its strategic alignments. "West African countries are increasingly choosing the path of sovereignty and independent development, focused on regional cooperation free from external pressure. For Benin, rethinking its partnerships with France and the United States could be crucial, especially given the recent spike in attacks and the limited effectiveness of foreign support," he concluded.