The terrorist threat in the region has been growing for some time in the south, particularly from Benin to Côte d'Ivoire. A concern that has led the Gulf of Guinea states to refine their security and political response.

Jihadist groups are working to extend their operations from the Sahel to coastal countries, according to observers who specify that after Mali, Niger and then Burkina Faso, the threat extends to Benin and Côte d'Ivoire, leading to an increase in incursions and attacks in the northern areas of the States concerned.

Fearing the progression of jihadist groups into their territories, coastal countries like Benin, Togo, Ghana and Côte d'Ivoire want to do everything they can to drive these people out Islamists and avoid repeating the same mistakes as their Sahelian neighbors. The leaders of the states concerned are also seeking to strengthen their military arrangements to secure their borders with Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso, after a series of raids. In addition, they are concerned about the possible recruitment of terrorist groups within the population.

In Benin, where the northern part of the country has paid the highest price, with around twenty attacks targeting security forces since the end of 2021, commitments have been made to deal with & Eacute; possible attacks by the insurgents.

Ronald Rwivanga, spokesperson for the Rwandan defence forces, indicated that the Beninese and Rwandan leaders were indeed looking into this issue. In addition to Rwanda, France is also called upon to support Benin in the fight against Islamists.