Colonel Claude Raoul Djèhoungo has been appointed as the new commander of Benin's Operation Mirador. He was nominated by General Abou Issa, the Chief of General Staff of the Beninese Armed Forces, on November 11, 2026. With over three decades of experience in the military, Djèhoungo is no stranger to command and security operations. His extensive background in the military makes him well-suited to lead the operation against terrorism in Benin.
Djèhoungo's military journey began at the Prytanée military school in Bembèrèkè, where he was a student. He specialized in infantry and has since dedicated his career to the Beninese Armed Forces. His educational qualifications include a Master's degree in Strategy, Defense, and Security, as well as a diploma from the International War College in Yaoundé, Cameroon. These qualifications demonstrate his expertise in military strategy and operations.
As a seasoned military officer, Djèhoungo has held various leadership positions. He has commanded the National School of Non-Commissioned Officers and the Bembèrèkè Military Training Center. Between 2016 and 2019, he served as the Director of Schools and Sports for the Beninese Armed Forces. In these roles, he has been instrumental in training soldiers and enhancing their operational capabilities.
Djèhoungo has also gained valuable experience in international peacekeeping missions. In 2021, he led Operation Bouclier and the Western sector of Operation Paix in Benin. He has participated in United Nations peacekeeping missions in Côte d'Ivoire and the Democratic Republic of Congo. As a military spokesperson for the MONUSCO force between 2019 and 2020, he demonstrated his ability to work effectively in high-pressure situations.
Before his appointment as Mirador commander, Djèhoungo served as Chief of Operations at the ECOWAS standby force headquarters in Abuja from 2022 to 2025. In this role, he contributed to planning operations in support of peace and preparing a regional counter-terrorism brigade. His experience in strategic planning and cooperation will be essential in his new role leading Operation Mirador.
With his diverse experience in command, training, and military cooperation, Djèhoungo is well-equipped to lead the fight against terrorism in Benin. His appointment is seen as a strategic move to strengthen the country's military capabilities. As the new commander of Operation Mirador, he will be responsible for coordinating efforts to combat terrorist threats in the region.
The success of Operation Mirador under Djèhoungo's leadership will depend on his ability to build on his past experiences and work effectively with his team. His extensive background in military strategy and operations makes him a strong candidate to lead the operation. The Beninese government has expressed confidence in his ability to tackle the growing threat of terrorism in the country.
Key points
- Colonel Claude Raoul Djèhoungo has over three decades of experience in the Beninese military.
- He has participated in international peacekeeping missions in Côte d'Ivoire and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
- Djèhoungo's appointment as Mirador commander aims to strengthen Benin's military capabilities against terrorism.
