Governance and Security

1. Sector context and challenges

Benin, traditionally one of the most stable coastal states in West Africa, is increasingly affected by insecurity spilling over from the Sahel and neighbouring countries. Violence linked to jihadist groups and transnational organised crime, initially concentrated along the borders with Burkina Faso and Niger, has also intensified along the border with Nigeria.

In response, Benin has reorganised its armed forces, increased its military presence in the north, and strengthened regional and international cooperation, including Nigeria, the EU and its member states. At the same time, the authorities recognise that security cannot be achieved by military means alone. Social cohesion, access to basic services, conflict prevention (including around transhumance and land), and trust between communities and state actors are central to preventing radicalisation and violent extremism.

Within this context, the Netherlands supports Benin in addressing both the security threats and their underlying drivers, positioning governance and security as a cross‑cutting theme linked to broader investments in water, food security, health, and youth employment in vulnerable northern and border areas.

2.Portfolio of projects and programmes

ONGOING

Support Project for Strengthening Social Cohesion, Preventing Violent Extremism, and Countering Conflicts related to Transhumance (2022–2026, with UNDP)
This project supports Benin’s efforts to consolidate peace, promote social cohesion, and prevent violent extremism, with a specific focus on conflicts related to transhumance. It contributes directly to the implementation of Benin’s national strategy for the prevention of violent extremism, radicalisation, and terrorism. Activities include strengthening local dialogue mechanisms, promoting peaceful coexistence between farmers and herders, and enhancing collaboration between communities, local authorities, and security actors in vulnerable border areas.

Coastal States Stability Mechanism (CSSM) (2023–2026, with IOM)
CSSM is a multi‑donor conflict prevention initiative aimed at countering the spread of instability from the Sahel to the coastal countries of West Africa, including Benin. The programme helps the governments of Benin, Togo, and Ghana strengthen state presence and relations with local communities in strategic border zones. Key components include border security, community cohesion, improved capacity and legitimacy of security forces, and support for social and economic development. In Benin, CSSM works closely with national institutions such as ABeGIEF to better coordinate efforts between civilian and military actors and to align donor initiatives.

Preventing Violent Extremism and Countering the Nexus between Terrorism and Transnational Organised Crime (2024–2027, with UNODC, under the IBSM umbrella)
Implemented by UNODC as part of the Integrated Border Stability Mechanism (IBSM), this programme focuses on preventing jihadism, violent extremism, and radicalisation in Benin’s most vulnerable regions, with particular attention to links between terrorism and organised crime. It promotes a whole‑of‑society approach that strengthens community resilience, especially among women and youth, and enhances collaboration with and between government actors. Key activities include mentoring and technical assistance for authorities, capacity‑building for law enforcement and justice actors, support for cross‑border cooperation between government agencies and communities, as well as the development of effective counter‑narratives against extremist content, including online.

NUDC: Countering the Nexus between Terrorism and Organised Crime (2026–2028)
This activity further reinforces Benin’s ability to address the intertwined threats of terrorism and organised crime, particularly in its most fragile regions. It applies a comprehensive approach that focuses on community resilience, with special attention to women and young people, and on strengthening collaboration among government and security actors. By connecting security interventions with efforts to improve governance and service delivery, the programme seeks to reduce the local vulnerabilities that extremist and criminal groups exploit.

3. Overall sector contribution

Dutch support to governance and security in Benin strengthens a preventive, community‑centred approach to stability that complements the country’s military efforts. Through programmes such as the UNDP social cohesion project, CSSM, and UNODC‑implemented activities under IBSM, the Netherlands helps to reinforce dialogue and cooperation between communities, local authorities, and security forces, prevent and manage local conflicts including those related to transhumance, and address the nexus between terrorism and organised crime in vulnerable regions.

By embedding governance and security within wider programmes on water, food security, and health, Dutch cooperation links peace and security to improved service delivery, youth resilience, and economic opportunities. This integrated approach supports Benin in consolidating peace, maintaining a legitimate state presence in fragile areas, and strengthening community resilience against violent extremism and organised crime.