The UAE has strongly condemned the terrorist attack that struck a military site in Benin’s Alibori region near the Burkina Faso-Niger border, resulting in the deaths of at least 30 soldiers.
In a statement, the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed its deep condemnation of such acts of terrorism, emphasizing their incompatibility with international law and their detrimental impact on peace and stability. The ministry reiterated its firm rejection of violence in all forms and extended heartfelt condolences to the government of Benin, its people, and the families of the victims.
The attack, one of the deadliest in the region, was claimed by an al-Qaeda-linked group, which reportedly seized weapons, ammunition, and a drone. Colonel Faizou Gomina, Benin’s National Guard chief of staff, described the targeted position as one of the military’s most fortified and called for a reassessment of operational strategies to counter the growing security threats posed by such groups.
Terrorist activities have increasingly destabilized West Africa in recent years, with militant groups affiliated with ISIS and al-Qaeda expanding their influence across Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger. This has led to a surge in cross-border attacks, spilling into neighboring countries like Benin. Between 2021 and December 2024, more than 120 Beninese military officers have lost their lives in similar assaults, according to a diplomatic source cited by AFP.
The ongoing violence underscores the challenges faced by Benin as it grapples with the rising threat of terrorism. In response, the government launched Operation Mirador in January 2022, deploying 3,000 soldiers to strengthen border security. Despite these efforts, attacks have persisted, including a recent incident where three soldiers were killed and four others injured while guarding an oil pipeline in the northeast.
The UAE’s condemnation comes amid growing international concern over the instability in the region, with calls for stronger international cooperation to combat terrorism and address the root causes fueling extremist activities in West Africa.
