Benin president reshuffles army chiefs

Benin's President Romuald Wadagni

Benin’s President Romuald Wadagni on Wednesday reshuffled the military leadership of the west African country, nearly a year after a failed coup.

In December 2025, the Beninese army pushed back an attempt by some officers to overthrow Wadagni’s predecessor Patrice Talon, with France and Nigeria helping to foil the plot.

Talon who was the president then had said that the “situation is completely under control” in his country after the government thwarted an attempted coup thanks to loyalist soldiers.

Wadagni who was a minister then became the nation’s president in 2026, PUNCH reports.

The reshuffle also comes at a time when Benin faces a growing jihadist threat to its north. Fighters affiliated to Al-Qaeda or the Islamic State group have been running rampant over the borders with Burkina Faso and Niger.

Wadagni, who took power in April, on Wednesday named General Abou Issa to replace General Fructeux Gbaguidi, who is to become the permanent secretary of the National Defence and Security Council.

Colonel Andre Dokoui Fofo was named head of the land-based military, Colonel Herve Setondji Allotchenou will take charge of the air force and Captain Dossa Hounkpatin takes the helm of the navy.

Having spent 10 years as the country’s economy minister, Wadagni took the top job with the worsening security situation in the north chief among his in-tray.

That task has been complicated by his country’s frayed relations with its Sahel neighbours, which are all run by juntas distrustful of Benin’s close ties with France.

AFP

Tosin Oyediran

Tosin Oyediran is a journalist with Punch Newspapers, bringing over eight years of newsroom experience to his coverage of politics, health, advocacy, sports, and entertainment. Known for sharp interviews and human-centered reporting, his work focuses on public accountability, civic issues, and the stories shaping everyday lives.

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