Benin: Armed attack in Dassari, Atakora Department, leaves two police officers dead June 26

Event

Armed assailants attacked a police station in Dassari, Atakora Department, near the shared border with Burkina Faso early June 26. The attack left two police officers dead, and two of the attackers dead. Further details are unavailable.

In response to the attack, authorities have deployed an additional 30 security personnel to the area. Officials could also implement movement restrictive measures, including curfews and road closures, specifically on the RNIE3 highway, which runs through Dassari to the Burkinabe border, in response to the violence. Further attacks are also likely and could include bombings or clashes.

Context

As groups aligned with Al-Qaeda and Islamic State (IS) continue to make gains in Burkina Faso and elsewhere, further militant encroachment southward into coastal West Africa, including Benin, Togo, Cote d'Ivoire, and Ghana, remains increasingly likely. Indeed, Benin has experienced an uptick in attacks in recent months. The deadly raids have spurred Beninese authorities to devote more security resources to its northern regions.

Advice

Liaise with trusted contacts before traveling in northern Benin. Confirm the status of routes before travel. Exercise heightened vigilance in the area. Avoid travel at night and concentrations of security personnel. Maintain contact with diplomatic representations.