The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has strongly condemned a deadly terrorist attack in Benin on April 17, 2025, which killed multiple civilians and left others injured. ‘
In a statement issued on Thursday, the bloc described the assault as a “heinous,” “barbaric, and cowardly act” aimed at destabilizing the region, reaffirming its solidarity with the Beninese government and people.
ECOWAS Commission President Omar Alieu Touray extended condolences to victims’ families and called for urgent regional cooperation to combat escalating terrorism. “This tragic incident highlights the urgent need for enhanced collaboration between all Member States,” the statement read, emphasizing shared responsibility among nations bordering conflict hotspots. The attack underscores persistent security challenges in West Africa, where groups linked to al-Qaeda and ISIS have expanded operations into coastal states like Benin, Togo, and Ivory Coast.
Benin, which has deployed troops to its northern border with Burkina Faso since 2022, faces growing spillover violence from the Sahel. ECOWAS reiterated support for Benin’s counter-terrorism measures and pledged to accelerate the operationalization of its regional standby force, a long-delayed initiative designed to bolster collective security responses. The bloc also urged international partners to back regional efforts, citing the “complexity and persistence” of militant threats.
While ECOWAS did not specify the attackers’ affiliation, the strike aligns with tactics used by Sahel-based groups targeting military outposts and civilian communities. Benin reported at least 20 jihadist incursions in 2024, up from two in 2021, with attacks often occurring near protected wildlife reserves that serve as militant transit routes.
The incident adds pressure on ECOWAS to reconcile internal divisions, particularly after recent political crises in Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso led those nations to exit the bloc. Critics argue fragmented governance and competing priorities have hampered unified anti-terror strategies. Meanwhile, Benin’s President Patrice Talon has prioritized defense spending, allocating 12% of the 2025 budget to security a 35% increase from 2023.
As West Africa grapples with intertwined security and political crises, the attack in Benin reinforces a stark reality: without cohesive regional action, militant networks will continue exploiting porous borders and governance gaps. For ECOWAS, translating rhetoric into operational synergy remains both a strategic imperative and a test of its credibility.
