Securitizing Borders and Local Conflict Dynamics – Insights from Benin
In 2025, Benin was among the West African coastal countries most affected by extremist violence spreading from Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger. An attack on 17 April which killed 54 soldiers was only one of many such incidents. In past years, the Benin government has significantly increased its military presence in Northern regions and has set up various national initiatives to securitize its…