Benin has underscored the importance of good neighborliness in addressing security challenges in Africa. At the 1369th meeting of the African Union's Peace and Security Council (CPS) held in New York on September 23, 2026, Benin's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Corinne Amori Brunet, stressed that cooperation between neighboring countries is crucial in responding to threats that transcend African borders. The meeting, attended by representatives of AU member states, regional organizations, and international partners, focused on "Good Neighborliness and Regional Responses to Security and Terrorism Challenges in Africa".
The Minister of Foreign Affairs emphasized that borders, while delimiting territories and sovereignties, also constitute spaces for populations to live, work, trade, and interact. She noted that when insecurity sets in, its consequences go beyond the limits of a single state. Amori Brunet called for concrete cooperation, including effective state presence, rapid information circulation, cooperation between security services and judicial authorities, and the maintenance of legitimate cross-border exchanges that populations depend on.
Benin's approach to good neighborliness is part of its broader diplomacy efforts under President Romuald Wadagni. The country's foreign policy prioritizes dialogue with neighboring countries, security, and regional cooperation. Amori Brunet also highlighted the need to preserve cooperation even when political relations between states experience periods of tension. The goal, she said, is not to create new frameworks but to better articulate existing mechanisms and adapt them to territorial realities.
The meeting in New York also underscored the role of communities living in border areas, particularly women. Their knowledge of local realities and proximity to communities make them essential in identifying tensions, contributing to their prevention, and informing peace and security decisions. This priority aligns with the second ministerial seminar of the Swakopmund process, held in Cotonou on September 9-10, 2026, which focused on "Women, Peace, and Security".
The Beninese ministerial delegation's participation in the New York meeting advances the country's priorities during its presidency of the AU's Peace and Security Council in September. These priorities include crisis prevention, consideration of ground realities, increased participation of women, and strengthened cooperation between neighboring states. The delegation's diplomatic engagement in New York will continue with the Minister's address to the UN General Assembly on September 28.
The African Union's Peace and Security Council meeting was attended by high-level officials, including the President of the AU Commission, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, and the AU Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace, and Security, Bankole Adeoye. The meeting provided a platform for discussions on regional responses to security challenges and the role of good neighborliness in promoting peace and stability in Africa.
Benin's efforts to promote good neighborliness and regional cooperation reflect its commitment to addressing security challenges in Africa. The country's approach emphasizes the need for concrete cooperation and the involvement of local communities, particularly women, in peace and security initiatives. As the AU continues to address security challenges in Africa, Benin's experience and approach may serve as a model for promoting regional cooperation and stability.
Key points
- Benin emphasizes good neighborliness as a key to addressing security challenges in Africa.
- The country highlights the importance of cooperation between neighboring countries to respond to threats that transcend borders.
- Women are underscored as key stakeholders in promoting peace and security in border areas.
