With just over a month to the April 12 presidential election in Benin, authorities are ramping up efforts to stabilise the country’s northern region amid ongoing security concerns.
A delegation from the Ministry of the Interior and Public Security has visited the Atacora and Donga departments to assess the situation and reassure residents of the government’s commitment to ensuring peaceful elections.
While officials describe the socio-political climate in the north as generally stable, they say the focus remains on consolidation and prevention. Meetings were held with administrative, religious and traditional leaders, as well as political actors, to strengthen dialogue and reactivate early warning mechanisms aimed at defusing potential tensions.
Community leaders have also been encouraged to combat hate speech and disinformation. Meanwhile, the Defence and Security Forces have been urged to maintain professionalism and strict neutrality, while sustaining a presence that is both deterrent and reassuring in the lead-up to the vote.
