The United States government has reaffirmed its commitment to enhancing security cooperation with the Republic of Benin in the wake of recent deadly terrorist attacks.
Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau made the pledge in Washington during a meeting with Beninese Foreign Minister Olushegun Adjadi Bakari.
Landau conveyed America’s condolences over the deaths of Beninese soldiers killed in a brutal assault carried out by Jama’at Nusrat ul-Islam Wa al-Muslimin, JNIM.
According to State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce, the official emphasised the “U.S. desire to bolster Benin’s sovereignty and security capacity.”
Landau also expressed a desire to deepen the U.S.-Beninese commercial relationship and explore avenues for establishing a bilateral trade platform.
JNIM, an Al-Qaeda affiliate operating across West Africa, launched coordinated attacks in northern Benin in April 2025, resulting in the deaths of at least 54 soldiers.
While the Beninese government confirmed the death toll, the terrorist group claimed the number of casualties was significantly higher.
The militants targeted military positions within the W National Park, marking the deadliest JNIM attack in Benin’s history, surpassing the previous assault on 20 January.