As part of its partnership with the General Staff of the Beninese Armed Forces, the SIPODI Program provided financial support for the organization of the evaluation seminar on Operation Mirador, a military initiative aimed at combating terrorism in northern Benin.
Operation Mirador was launched as a strategic measure by the Beninese Armed Forces after the country faced terrorist attacks on its northern borders in 2019. The evaluation seminar, held on July 3 and 4, 2024, in Parakou, aimed to assess the actions taken, analyze challenges, and explore possible improvements.
A High-Level Gathering
The seminar brought together high-ranking political and military officials, security experts, strategists, and operational personnel directly involved in the operation. The Konrad Adenauer Foundation (KAS) was represented by Dr. Tobias Ruettershoff, Director of the SIPODI Program, who actively participated in the discussions.
The opening ceremony, complemented by various expert presentations, provided an opportunity to highlight the progress made, identify the strengths and weaknesses of the operation, and develop improvement strategies to enhance counterterrorism efforts along Benin’s northern borders.
Objectives and Key Outcomes of the Seminar
During the discussions, several key issues were addressed:
- Analysis of the results of Operation Mirador and lessons learned for future initiatives.
- Identification of weaknesses in the operation and recommendations for strategic adjustments.
- Strengthening ongoing measures and optimizing operational communication strategies.
- Countering terrorist propaganda by promoting the successes of the operation.
- Building public trust through improved communication on state security efforts.
A Strategic Partnership for Enhanced Security
The SIPODI Program expressed satisfaction with the success of this seminar, which serves as a strategic foundation for the Beninese General Staff in its counterterrorism approach. By supporting this initiative, SIPODI contributes not only to the professionalization of African armed forces but also to the democratization of information, promoting accountability and transparency.
The Beninese Armed Forces' General Staff expressed deep gratitude to KAS and the SIPODI Program for their vital support in organizing and successfully executing this important event. Military authorities praised this approach, which strengthens the capabilities of the Beninese armed forces, enabling them to respond more effectively to contemporary security challenges.
KAS SIPODI West: A Key Partner
The regional program SIPODI West of the Konrad Adenauer Foundation remains a strategic partner of the Beninese Army, actively working to enhance the capacity of military elites in Sub-Saharan Africa, particularly in West Africa. Through numerous initiatives, it contributes to the development of resilient, professional, and strategically well-equipped defense forces to effectively address current and future security threats.
