Conflicts are on the rise in Benin, leading to concerns. As per the reports of multiple sources including the BBC and CNN, conflicts between the government forces and armed groups in Benin have led to thousands of deaths and displacement for the last few years. Armed attacks have remarkably increased against civilians in northern Benin since 2024. The Presidential Election was held in April 2026 that led to the landslide win of Romuald Wadagni and —hopefully saying —the President-elect has made tackling the armed conflicts a cornerstone of his election campaign. But how much the upcoming government will be successful in fighting armed conflicts in Benin remains uncertain.
The conflicts in the Republic of Benin are due to various reasons that are often difficult to successfully address. Regional spillover, internal political instability and coup attempts are responsible for the rise in conflicts in Benin. Several groups affiliated with al-Qaeda (JNIM) and the Islamic State (ISSP) have increasingly entrenched themselves, especially in northern Benin. The most conflict-prone region in Benin is the border with Burkina Faso and Niger. Conflicts surged in 2024 and early 2025 and armed groups attacked security forces and attempted to control trade routes and natural resources such as the W and Pendjari National Parks. Moreover, porous borders, specifically around Malanville in Benin and Gaya in southern Niger, and grievances have been playing a role in conflicts.
But, hopefully saying, Benin, which was traditionally one of West Africa’s more stable nations, has taken military- based and other measures to address armed conflicts. Main strategies of the government are military modernization and massive military troop deployments, from a passive to proactive approach, specialized counter-terrorism operations, especially in the northern region, and a shift towards community-focused security and development in the northern region. Moreover, Benin has remarkably increased international cooperation and joint efforts and carried out joint patrols on the border with other countries, especially Nigeria, to fight cross-border terrorism. These have led to some positive outcomes in the ongoing fight against conflicts including limiting the spread of conflicts in Benin.
But of the government measures, the transition from defensive holding to a proactive approach has brought successful outcomes and the potential to fight armed conflicts more effectively in the northern region of Benin. The government of President Patrice Talon —who has been in power for around a decade since 2016 — has taken drastic and significant measures, engaged in a proactive military operation and implemented “Operation Mirador,” which aimed at containing extremist threats in the north. This operation has led to successful outcomes against militant camps in W National Park, located at the tri-border region of Benin, Burkina Faso and Niger that is rendered highly risky for armed conflicts.
But the threat of armed attacks remains substantial and northern Benin experienced its deadliest attacks in 2025. There are various flaws that have led to a failure to expectedly address conflicts and can put challenges to the new government in fighting conflicts. Failed regional cooperation is one of the major flaws in the efforts. The collapse of diplomatic relations between Benin and Niger especially on January 1, 2026, and strained relations between Benin and Burkina Faso have severely hampered cross-border security coordination. This has allowed armed groups like the Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM) to utilize the shared borderlands for transit and supply and made it difficult to successfully fight armed conflicts.
There are also other limitations that can put challenges to the new government. Even if Benin has emphasized military modernization, the Beninese military’s transition to an effective counterinsurgency force, especially against the armed groups, was incomplete. Consequently, delayed responses and fragmented intelligence sharing among security agencies remain. Talon’s focus on consolidating power has led to the creation of a tense and divided society. There are also grievances such as economic marginalization and regional disparities that are less addressed. Northern regions feel neglected by the central government, but this is less addressed.
Though Romuald Wadagni has put emphasis on tackling armed conflicts in electoral campaigns, his government will find the fight against armed conflicts challenging. Addressing flaws in the efforts of the previous governments will help end armed conflicts and bring peace. For this, strengthening military operations is needed — especially in the northern region. But talks with armed groups that are almost absent in Benin can help end the conflicts. The military capacity needs to be further strengthened. But effective trans-border cooperation is vital for success in fighting cross-border insurgencies in Benin.
But it is vital for the government to address the root causes of armed conflicts including economic concerns. Benin needs to address marginalization in the northern region, which is often exacerbated by high unemployment, poverty, and limited livelihood opportunities. The government also needs to address human rights concerns with its efforts. Increased security efforts led to reports of serious abuses by security forces. A strong political commitment will help fight conflicts more successfully.
