The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has ordered the immediate deployment of elements of its multinational Standby Force to the Republic of Benin in response to escalating terrorist threats and cross-border insecurity spilling over from the Sahel.
The decision was taken at an emergency virtual meeting of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government held today and announced in an official communiqué issued by the regional bloc’s Commission.
While specific details on troop numbers, command structure, and duration of the mission were not disclosed, sources indicate the deployment will focus on strengthening Benin’s northern borders, enhancing intelligence-sharing, and supporting Beninese forces in counter-terrorism operations.
The move marks the latest activation of the ECOWAS Standby Force, underscoring the bloc’s determination to confront the expanding jihadist insurgency that now threatens coastal West African states after devastating Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger.
President Patrice Talon of Benin had earlier appealed for reinforced regional support following a series of deadly attacks on military and civilian targets in the country’s northern departments.
ECOWAS reaffirmed its “unwavering commitment” to the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all member states and warned terrorist groups that the region “will spare no effort” in neutralizing the common threat.
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