Indications of major security challenges that need to be addressed urgently – The New Tribune

this benign Tomorrow, August 1, the country celebrates its 64th anniversary of independence. Since its accession to international sovereignty, the country has experienced a turbulent history and faces multiple and complex security challenges. In recent years, terrorist incursions have undermined community life and social cohesion in the country, especially in the north.

Precisely in this context of celebrating independence, the Beninese authorities should not forget that the enemy is still at the doorstep and that threats are brewing. If in the past it was the political instability associated with the coup that prevented the normal development of community life in Benin, today it is jihadism that has taken root in some of the country’s borders, giving food for thought to any peace-loving Beninese. Indeed, the spread of terrorism in the northern regions poses a serious threat to national security. benignespecially in border areas. In fact, since the first attack in 2019, the authorities report the deaths of 43 civilians and 27 soldiers. This does not take into account the attacks that have occurred this year, which have caused a large number of casualties. In the W National Park, which borders Niger and Burkina Faso in the north, five forest guards and seven soldiers were killed by unidentified armed men (Iani). benignAccording to a press release from African Parks, the violence in the country was triggered by attacks by jihadists during the night of July 24-25. Not long ago, three different attacks left nine people dead, while the tragic incident in Kaubagou was not forgotten.

picture Togoof Ghana There’s some left Ivory Coastthis benign Under pressure from jihadist groups, it is trying to expand its influence into the Gulf GuineaMost of the attacks have not been confirmed, but numerous sources have confirmed the presence of militants from the Islamic State (IS) group and the Group to Support Islam and Muslims (GSIM) in the area. As a result, many soldiers have fallen under the hail of bullets from these unidentified armed groups and individuals. Although more than a hundred terrorists have been eliminated since the start of the attacks benignThe civilian and military losses on the Benin side were heavy and worthy of attention.

The fight against jihadists has stalled a bit

Despite several measures taken by the State, unidentified groups and other armed individuals continue to launch attacks, sometimes very severe. To combat these problems, the Government has focused on recruiting young people between the ages of 18 and 30. According to several military sources, approximately 3,500 new recruits are currently deployed in the north of the country to counter this threat in order to achieve the Government’s initial goal of an exceptional recruitment of 5,000 Beninese soldiers announced in April 2023. The primary purpose of this special recruitment was to support Operation Mirador, which was launched by the Beninese Army in 2022 after an attack on a military post on the Benin border. Burkina Faso.

Despite this, Benin soldiers and civilians die at the hands of the Iani almost every month. In recent weeks, the terrorist group has continued to invade national parks such as the W Nature Reserve in the north of the country, which covers more than 10,000 square kilometers. It was also in this park that 12 Benin people (5 rangers and 7 soldiers) lost their lives a few days ago. All this is happening in a context of marginalization, social discrimination, extreme poverty and low representation in national service. Even if this force remains mobilized today, the losses in its ranks could eventually deal a serious blow to it and weaken its fighting spirit.

The real challenge

To effectively respond to the threat of terrorism, a multifaceted approach is necessary. Investing in the continuous training of security forces so that they have the skills needed to respond to new threats is essential. Equipping them with modern and appropriate equipment is also essential, as is developing an effective intelligence system that can prevent threats by predicting attacks. Cooperation with foreign intelligence services may also be beneficial. Among armed forces, better coordination between the different security forces (police, army) is essential for a quick and effective response. Benin must strengthen cooperation with its neighbours (Niger, Nigeria, Burkina Faso, Togo) to combat terrorist groups operating in the region, as this is a sub-regional phenomenon. We need a modernized armed forces and police, whose agents must be combat-ready. In addition, we must fight social and economic inequalities to reduce the frustrations and resentments that can fuel radicalization. Economic development and job creation, especially for young people, can help reduce the appeal of extremist groups, while transparent and inclusive governance is necessary to strengthen the legitimacy of institutions and reduce the risk of protests. Finally, we must promote peace and social cohesion, civic education and democratic values, and combat hate speech.