Omanghana
Algeria has offered to share its military and counterterrorism experience with Benin as the West African country strengthens its security partnerships in response to growing threats along its northern borders.
The offer was discussed during a September 24, 2026, meeting in Benin between Algeria’s Ambassador to Benin, Ammar Hadjar, and Benin’s Minister Delegate to the President in charge of National Defence, Gildas Agonkan.
According to a report on the meeting, the Algerian ambassador expressed his country’s readiness to share operational experience with the Beninese armed forces, including through targeted training programs designed to strengthen their operational capabilities.
Focus on Military Training and Experience
The proposed cooperation is expected to focus on capacity building and the transfer of military experience.
Agonkan reportedly expressed interest in drawing on Algeria’s experience in military doctrine and security resilience as Benin seeks to strengthen its ability to respond to asymmetric security threats.
The two sides also discussed the need for continued consultation and coordination, with the aim of developing a more structured and sustainable defense partnership.
The discussions come as Benin continues to develop its security capabilities amid concerns over the spread of extremist violence from the Sahel toward coastal West Africa.
Benin Strengthens International Security Partnerships
Algeria’s offer adds to Benin’s existing cooperation with international security partners.
The United States has maintained a longstanding defense relationship with Benin, including military training, capacity-building programs and operational support. In 2024, U.S. Africa Command said its cooperation with Benin included professionalization and capacity-building assistance, as well as a partnership between the Beninese military and the North Dakota National Guard.
U.S. officials have also worked with Beninese forces on border-security training and support for Operation Mirador, including assistance involving personnel recovery, casualty evacuation and sustainment capabilities.
In September 2025, the commander of U.S. Africa Command visited Benin for discussions focused on strengthening cooperation against evolving terrorism threats in the region.
Responding to Sahelian Security Threats
Benin’s northern areas have faced increasing security pressure linked to militant activity spreading southward from the Sahel.
The country has therefore sought to strengthen its military capabilities, border security and cooperation with external partners while maintaining relationships with regional and international actors.
The emerging Algeria-Benin defense relationship could provide another avenue for military training and the exchange of operational experience, particularly in counterterrorism and responses to asymmetric threats.
For Algeria, the engagement also expands its security cooperation with a country located along the Gulf of Guinea, an area increasingly affected by insecurity originating farther north in the Sahel.
The latest discussions are expected to be followed by further consultations between the two countries as they work toward translating the proposed cooperation into concrete training and defense arrangements.
Source: Omanghana
