• Benin hosts trilateral military talks with Côte d'Ivoire and France
• Discussions focus on intelligence sharing, training, counterterrorism cooperation
• Meeting reflects rising security threats across Gulf of Guinea region

Benin hosted a trilateral meeting on Thursday between the chiefs of staff of Côte d'Ivoire, Benin and France, bringing together General Lassina Doumbia, General Fructueux Gbaguidi and General Fabien Mandon.

Following an inaugural session held in Abidjan on July 18, 2025, the meeting provided an opportunity to review existing partnerships and outline concrete steps to strengthen trilateral operational cooperation, the General Staff of the Beninese Armed Forces said.

Discussions focused on intelligence sharing, counter-IED operations, joint training, capability pooling and closer strategic coordination, reflecting shared security threats in the Gulf of Guinea, including terrorism and cross-border crime.

“The militaries will engage in discussions, but exchanges will not be limited to military leadership, as meetings with political authorities are also planned,” General Gbaguidi said, highlighting a coordinated approach across institutions.

Rising Security Tensions in West Africa

The meeting comes amid rising security tensions across West Africa, where several countries face an increase in terrorist attacks alongside persistent political challenges, forcing militaries to adapt their strategies.

In Benin, the armed forces recorded several deadly attacks between February and March 2026. The recent launch of the Alligator military exercise in the south reflects the country’s growing operational capacity.

Côte d'Ivoire has also stepped up security measures, particularly along its northern borders, through counterterrorism operations, military exercises and closer cooperation with partners including France and the United States.

France, which is reshaping its military presence in Africa, now prioritises targeted support focused on training and intelligence following its withdrawal from several Sahel countries. In this context, Benin and Côte d'Ivoire have emerged as key partners in West Africa.

Charlène N’dimon