Benin's maritime security challenges in the Gulf of Guinea

Once a target for pirates, Benin is now implementing structural solutions that will restore the confidence of maritime operators.

Benin is confronted with various maritime threats. This includes piracy, which reached a worrying level in 2011. However, the country is now taking steps to preserve its maritime industry; particularly the port of Cotonou, on which the national economy largely depends. The latest initiative is the adoption of a new strategy, which is aimed at improving the coordination of state action at sea. However, the effective implementation of this strategy is a key challenge.

Authors

Barthélemy Blédé senior researcher, Conflict Management and Peacebuilding Division, ISS Dakar

Fatimata Ouédraogo, consultant

Ousmane Aly Diallo, consultant