Benin: JNIM jihadist group intensifies incursions in the north of the country

Since 2022, northern Benin has faced a resurgence of incursions led by the Group for the Support of Islam and Muslims (JNIM), a jihadist organization affiliated with Al-Qaeda, according to information reported by France 24.

This group, particularly active in Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso, is allegedly using Beninese territory as a transit route between its various operations zones in the Sahel region, the source specifies.

According to France 24, two major national parks located in the north of the country have reportedly become logistical bases for JNIM fighters, who would find suitable terrain there for their movements and resupply operations.

Facing this threat, the Beninese army is attempting to mount a defense, according to the media, though the precise details of the military operations conducted have not been further clarified in available information.

This situation is part of a broader context of the expansion of the jihadist threat toward Gulf of Guinea countries, with several coastal West African states, including Benin, Togo, and Ivory Coast, having already reported similar incidents in recent years linked to armed groups originating from the Sahel.