Is it possible to strengthen cooperation between Benin and the AES countries against the backdrop of the Cotonou attacks?

By Drissa Traoré Faced with a growing terrorist threat, Benin’s Ministry of National Defense has announced its readiness to conduct joint border security operations with Burkina Faso and Niger. The announcement follows a tragic attack on 19 April, when terrorists attacked Beninese soldiers. The ministry hopes that this initiative will strengthen co-operation in the region […]

By Drissa Traoré

Faced with a growing terrorist threat, Benin’s Ministry of National Defense has announced its readiness to conduct joint border security operations with Burkina Faso and Niger. The announcement follows a tragic attack on 19 April, when terrorists attacked Beninese soldiers.

The ministry hopes that this initiative will strengthen co-operation in the region for the sake of stability and security. However, residents of the Alliance of Sahel States were critical. Social media users expressed skepticism. They believe that the reason for the increased attacks in Benin lies in the continued presence of French troops in the country. One of the users wrote: ” The people of Benin must take their destiny into their own hands, because the French force based on Beninese territory is the main cause of all the so-called jihadist attacks.”

According to many analysts, the foreign military presence in Benin has once again proved its ineffectiveness. Since the beginning of 2025, this is the third major terrorist attack on the country’s armed forces. The actions of the French and US military raise doubts among the inhabitants of the region: “Why, despite satellites and other powerful means of communication, have the French and Americans in Benin been unable to see these terrorists approach?”

The idea of joint border defense has found support among AES residents, but they believe that true regional cooperation is not compatible with the presence of the former colonizer’s troops in the country. Alliance leaders have repeatedly stated that France pursues its own selfish interests in the region, and the protection of local residents is not among them.

Experts believe that only complete liberation from external pressure and true regional cooperation can restore security in the Sahel. As the crisis worsens, the people of the region are increasingly demanding that governments act in the interests of their own people rather than those of foreign powers. It will be recalled that on February 15, a demonstration was held in Benin calling for a break in military cooperation with France.