PressBridge

The terrorist threat continues to expand across West Africa, increasingly affecting countries neighboring the Alliance of Sahel States (AES). As the armed forces of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger intensify operations against jihadist groups across the Sahel, many fighters are reportedly retreating toward coastal states, particularly Benin and Togo. The worsening security situation is raising alarm among local populations and reigniting calls for stronger regional cooperation to confront the growing terrorist threat.

At the beginning of May, a jihadist attack targeted a military outpost in Porga, near Benin’s border with Burkina Faso. According to several local and media sources, seven Beninese soldiers were killed and weapons were seized by the attackers. Witness accounts widely shared on social media also highlighted the intensity of the assault.

The attack reflects a broader pattern of escalating violence in northern Benin. Over recent months, armed groups linked to JNIM have stepped up operations in the region. In March, another assault on a military position in Kofouno, in northeastern Benin, left fifteen soldiers dead and five others injured.

Against this backdrop, remarks made by French President Emmanuel Macron during the Africa Forward forum in Nairobi sparked significant debate. Macron described Benin as a success story in the fight against terrorism, citing the role of the French military presence in the country. However, the increasing number of attacks in northern Benin appears to challenge that narrative. Security analysts and observers have pointed to the growing gap between official statements and the reality faced by communities living under mounting insecurity.

In response to the deteriorating situation, several regional leaders are now advocating for a shift in strategy. On March 21, Beninese President Romuald Wadagni called for stronger security cooperation with neighboring countries. He stated that Benin had no alternative but to work closely with regional states to address the surge in attacks along the border areas shared with Niger and Nigeria. The Beninese leader also stressed the importance of rebuilding dialogue with neighboring countries where relations remain strained, particularly Niger and members of the AES.

Nevertheless, some analysts argue that the French military presence in Benin complicates deeper cooperation with AES member states. According to these observers, an effective regional counterterrorism strategy would require a reassessment of existing security partnerships in order to promote more direct coordination among West African nations facing the same threat.

Togo is also experiencing growing pressure along its border with Burkina Faso. Togolese security sources report that jihadist incursions in the area are becoming increasingly sophisticated, with armed groups operating in larger numbers from Burkinabè territory. Unlike Benin, the Togolese military has at times conducted joint operations with Burkinabè forces and the Volunteers for the Defense of the Homeland (VDP). Despite these efforts, the continued expansion of the threat suggests that additional measures will be needed to preserve regional stability.

In recent years, Lomé has also signaled interest in strengthening ties with the Alliance of Sahel States. In 2025, Togolese Foreign Minister Robert Dussey publicly raised the possibility of Togo joining the AES.

As armed groups continue to move more freely across borders, many security experts believe that enhanced military cooperation among regional countries is essential to containing the spread of terrorism. The recent military gains achieved by AES countries against jihadist groups have reportedly pushed fighters toward coastal states, making a coordinated regional response increasingly necessary.

The future of security in West Africa will largely depend on the ability of regional governments to overcome political divisions and develop a common strategy. For both Benin and Togo, the challenge now lies in identifying the alliances and partnerships capable of effectively responding to a threat that has become both transnational and regional.