The ruling party candidate in Benin’s upcoming presidential election, Romuald Wadagni, has pledged to establish municipal police forces in northern border towns to defend against persistent attacks by jihadist groups.
Wadagni, who has served as finance minister under President Patrice Talon since 2016, emphasized the need for cooperation with neighbouring countries to address the growing security threats along the borders with Niger and Nigeria.
Speaking ahead of the April 12 election, Wadagni described the municipal police plan as a means to train and equip young people in their own communities to protect their homes, families, and surroundings. He did not specify the target number of officers or the cost of the programme.
Benin’s national Republican Police and military already maintain a presence in the north, but attacks have continued to escalate. Last April, an assault by the al Qaeda-linked Jama’at Nusrat al‑Islam wal‑Muslimin killed 54 soldiers, and an earlier attack this month claimed 15 more lives and left five wounded at a military camp.
Security concerns have also fueled political unrest. In December, disgruntled soldiers attempted a coup, citing the worsening northern security situation and neglect of fallen comrades. The plot was foiled with support from neighbouring countries, including Nigeria.
As Benin heads to the polls, northern security remains a central challenge for Wadagni, who is the strong favourite to succeed Talon and continue economic reforms while addressing the rising threat of jihadist violence.
