Rwanda, Benin talk military cooperation over border security

Rwanda’s President Paul Kagame met with Benin’s President Patrice Talon on Saturday to discuss military support aimed at helping Benin manage the potential spillover of jihadist conflict from Burkina Faso. This meeting highlights the increasing concerns of coastal nations in West Africa—namely Benin, Togo, Ghana, and Ivory Coast—over the expanding Islamist militant insurgency in the Sahel region.

During a press conference in Cotonou, Kagame expressed Rwanda’s commitment to work with Benin to prevent any security threats along its borders. He stated, “We are ready to work with Benin to prevent anything that may happen around its borders,” adding that there would be “no limit” to their cooperative efforts in addressing security challenges.

While specific details regarding the cooperation were not immediately available, President Talon mentioned that it could encompass various forms of support, including “supervision, coaching, training, and joint deployment.” This partnership aims to bolster Benin’s military capabilities, which have been challenged by the rise of jihadist incursions from Burkina Faso and Niger. Since 2021, Benin has faced around 20 incursions attributed to these groups.

In light of the threat posed by jihadist activities, countries in the Gulf of Guinea have ramped up their military presence in northern border regions. For instance, Togo has declared a state of emergency in its northern provinces, and Ghana recently deployed an additional 1,000 troops and police to its own northern frontier.

The meeting between Kagame and Talon followed previous discussions about military and logistical cooperation between the two nations. In the past, a top Benin official indicated that any agreements would not involve the deployment of Rwandan troops within Benin. However, the ongoing collaboration underscores the increasing urgency for West African nations to address security concerns posed by jihadist groups operating in the region.