Benin’s regional role: cooperation on security challenges and political instability

Benin’s foreign minister, Shegun Adjadi Bakari, discusses his country’s commitment to regional cooperation to tackle the rise in violent extremism in the Sahel and broader political instability in West Africa. Benin’s January 2023 legislative elections saw a return of more inclusive democratic competition, contrasting with rising political instability and insecurity in the wider West Africa region. In the wake of the coup in Niger, Benin has pledged its support for a possible intervention by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) – leading the Nigerien junta to end a military pact between the two nations. Attacks by armed groups at Benin’s northern border have been increasing since 2019, leading the government to recruit 5,000 additional military personnel to bolster defences. Resolving these regional challenges will be critical to Benin’s consolidation of stability, socioeconomic growth and climate resilience. At this roundtable, Shegun Adjadi Bakari, Benin’s minister for foreign affairs, will discuss his country’s commitment to regional cooperation to tackle the rise in violent extremism in the Sahel and broader political instability in West Africa.