Benin’s ruling party candidate Romuald Wadagni has pledged to establish municipal police forces in northern border towns as part of a broader strategy to curb escalating jihadist attacks ahead of next month’s presidential election.
Wadagni, currently serving as finance minister under President Patrice Talon, is widely seen as the frontrunner in the April 12 vote. Presenting his campaign platform, he said strengthening local security structures would be a priority as violence linked to Sahel-based insurgent groups continues to spill into Benin’s northern regions.
“The goal will be to ensure that young people, in their own environment, are trained, equipped, and given the opportunity to defend their homes,” Wadagni said, outlining plans to recruit and deploy locally based police units in vulnerable communities.
Benin already maintains a security presence in the north through its Republican Police and military forces, but attacks have increased in frequency and intensity along the borders with Niger and Nigeria. Wadagni did not provide details on the size or cost of the proposed municipal police program.
He also stressed that Benin would need to deepen coordination with neighbouring countries to address cross-border threats, as militant groups affiliated with al-Qaeda and Islamic State expand operations across the Sahel and into coastal West Africa.
Security is expected to be one of the most pressing challenges facing the next administration. While Talon has focused on economic reforms and tourism development during his presidency, the deteriorating security situation in the north has drawn growing concern.
Authorities have rarely disclosed details of attacks, but last year officials confirmed that an assault claimed by the al-Qaeda-linked Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM) killed dozens of soldiers. Earlier this month, another attack on a military camp left at least 15 troops dead.
The worsening insecurity has also fueled discontent within the armed forces. In December, a group of soldiers attempted a coup, citing frustration over rising casualties and what they described as insufficient support for troops deployed in the north. The attempt was thwarted with assistance from regional allies, including Nigeria.
With jihadist violence increasingly encroaching on coastal states, Wadagni’s proposals signal a shift toward localized security responses as Benin seeks to contain a threat that has already destabilized much of the Sahel.