As Benin prepares to celebrate its 65th Independence Day on August 1, 2025, the government has extended invitations to troops from four countries, including two members of the Confederation of Sahel States (AES), to join its military parade. The move is seen as a diplomatic gesture aimed at fostering regional solidarity despite strained relations, particularly with Niger.
Benin shares long, porous borders with Burkina Faso and Niger—areas vulnerable to jihadist attacks—and hopes the symbolic invitation will reaffirm cross-border unity amid political and security tensions. This year’s celebrations may also be the last to be presided over by President Patrice Talon.
The gesture comes just three months after a deadly jihadist assault on Beninese forces in Banikoara and Koudou, in the northern Alibori region, which left 54 soldiers dead and allowed attackers from JNIM to seize weapons.
The Beninese government has lamented the lack of coordinated regional security, blaming weak border controls by neighboring states.
Tensions with Niger have deepened since late 2023, after accusations from Niamey alleging Cotonou’s collaboration with foreign powers and armed groups—claims Benin firmly denied. The presence or absence of AES troops at the upcoming parade is expected to send a strong signal on the future of regional cooperation.
