Benin Renews Command of Operation Mirador to Combat Terrorism

The leadership of Benin's Operation Mirador has been renewed with the appointment of Colonel Claude Raoul Djehoungo as the new commander. He was appointed by the Chief of General Staff of the Beninese Armed Forces, General Abou Issa, on November 11, 2026. Colonel Djehoungo replaces Colonel Andre Dokoui Fofo, who was promoted to Chief of Staff of the Army in a Council of Ministers meeting on November 4.

The new commander and his deputy, Lieutenant Colonel Mathieu Hessou, were received by General Abou Issa for a working session on operational orientations. The Chief of General Staff reaffirmed the offensive posture adopted by the Beninese Armed Forces and called for the relentless pursuit of terrorist armed groups. He emphasized two key levers: mastery of intelligence and reinforcement of the tactical mobility of engaged units.

Colonel Claude Raoul Djehoungo has over three decades of experience in command, operational planning, military training, and international cooperation. He holds a Master's degree in Strategy, Defense, and Security, as well as a diploma from the International War College in Yaounde, Cameroon. His career includes commanding the National School of Non-Commissioned Officers and the Bemberg Military Training Center.

Colonel Djehoungo has a solid operational experience, having commanded Operations Bouclier and Paix sur le Benin in 2021. He also participated in several United Nations peacekeeping operations in Côte d'Ivoire and the Democratic Republic of Congo. His international experience includes serving as a public relations officer and military spokesperson for the United Nations Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

General Abou Issa emphasized the importance of strengthening the link between the army and the population. He encouraged the intensification of civil-military actions in favor of communities living in areas affected by terrorist threats. These initiatives aim to strengthen the trust of populations in the armed forces and consolidate collective resilience in the face of insecurity.

Colonel Djehoungo's appointment is part of a broader effort to combat terrorism in Benin. The country's armed forces have been engaged in operations to secure the territory and protect the population. The new commander will have to build on the achievements of his predecessors to maintain operational superiority on the ground.

The Chief of General Staff assured that he will continue to mobilize resources necessary for the accomplishment of the missions. He also reaffirmed his commitment to accompanying the units deployed on the theater of operations. The renewal of the Operation Mirador leadership is expected to bring new impetus to the fight against terrorism in Benin.

Key points

• Colonel Claude Raoul Djehoungo has been appointed as the new commander of Operation Mirador to lead the fight against terrorism in Benin.