Operation Mirador: How Benin responds to the terrorist threat with a multifaceted strategy

Operation Mirador: a multifaceted response to the terrorist threat in Benin

Since 2019, Benin has faced terrorist attacks in its northern region, coming from jihadist groups seeking to extend their influence from the Sahel to the Gulf of Guinea. To face this growing threat, the Beninese authorities have put in place a military response with Operation “Mirador”, but they are not limited to this approach alone.

Launched in early 2022 following the attack on a military post on the border with Burkina Faso, Operation Mirador aims to fight terrorism and secure Benin’s borders. With a workforce of around 3,000 men, this operation is deployed in the northern departments of the country, including rural areas where the Pendjari and W national parks are located, currently closed to tourists due to insecurity. .

In addition to the deployment of military forces on the territory, Benin also launched a special recruitment of 5,000 people this year to strengthen its workforce. The main objective of Operation Mirador is to crisscross the north of the country in order to prevent incursions by armed groups and to dissuade them from going further south.

The most exposed areas are currently those bordering Burkina Faso to the west. To respond to this threat, the Beninese army has considerably strengthened its capabilities, acquiring equipment such as drones, armored vehicles and helicopters. Additionally, partnerships with neighboring countries are being strengthened, although Niger recently denounced a previously concluded agreement with Benin.

According to the Beninese army, three jihadist groups are behind the attacks on Beninese soil: the JNIM (support group for Islam and Muslims), Ansaru and the Islamic State in the Greater Sahara (EIGS). However, there is no cell permanently established in Benin, making it a transit zone for groups seeking supplies and carrying out trafficking operations.

Interestingly, the exact motivations of these terrorist groups remain unclear. Colonel Faïzou Gomina, commander of Operation Mirador, believes that their main objective is to cause population displacements in order to be able to settle in empty areas. There are no clear ideological or territorial demands so far.

However, it is important to emphasize that the response to terrorism cannot be limited to a military approach. Many actors emphasize the need to take into account civilian aspects and address the root causes of insecurity. Benin has therefore implemented civil-military actions, such as the construction of wells or access to medical consultations, to promote cooperation among local populations.. In addition, public awareness and social inclusion efforts are also key elements in the fight against terrorism.

In conclusion, Operation Mirador is an essential military response to the terrorist threat in Benin, aimed at securing borders and preventing incursions by jihadist groups. However, it is important not to neglect the civil aspects and to address the root causes of insecurity to achieve lasting results. A holistic approach combining military measures, civil-military actions and awareness raising among local populations is necessary to address this complex threat.