Benin: Security advisory issued for Atakora Department (northwest)

Event

The US embassy in Benin issued a travel alert on Wednesday, July 31, warning of possible threats to local government facilities in Atakora department, located in northwestern Benin near the border with Burkina Faso. No further details were provided.

Context

Militant groups are not regularly active in Benin. However, some Western government have advised citizens not to travel to northern areas of Benin along the border with Burkina Faso and Niger as terrorism has become an increasingly severe security threat in Burkina Faso and Niger, notably on border areas.

Two French tourists were abducted on May 1, in Pendjari National Park (Atakora department, Benin) and were subsequently rescued overnight (local time) on May 9-10 during a French-led military operation in northern Burkina Faso.

Advice

Individuals in Benin are advised to monitor developments to the situation, remain vigilant for criminal and militant activity, and obey all instructions issued by the local authorities and their home governments.

As a precaution, individuals are strongly advised to be discreet regarding personal details, particularly information concerning nationality, employment, family, etc.