4/ SSA is proud to lead this effort with support from @spiritofamerica.org and SOCAF. Civil-military cooperation isn’t just smart — it’s essential. More on Benin’s strategy via AFP/Barron’s:
🔗 www.barrons.com/news/benin-b...
#Benin #Stabilization #Sahel #CivilMilitary #SSA

3/ This model counters JNIM’s own strategy: win hearts and minds through services and grievances. Benin is showing what population-centric stabilization really means.

2/ We’re helping develop and train Civil-Military Committees — where soldiers and civilians collaborate to build trust, manage risks, and respond early to threats like JNIM.

Our report recommends a phased approach to FET deployment, starting within civil affairs units, gender-sensitive training, infrastructure upgrades & leadership development. These recommendations focus on building a force that’s more agile, responsive & trusted. #SecuritySectorReform

Female engagement teams (FETs) offer a tactical advantage in areas where male soldiers may have limited access due to cultural norms in
✅ Intelligence gathering
✅ Counter-radicalization
✅ Gender-sensitive engagement
✅ Humanitarian operations
#FemaleEngagementTeams 3/

Our research, conducted across Parakou, Natitingou, Kandi & Cotonou, highlights how women in Benin's civil affairs, known as the ACM (Action Civilo-Militaire) are already building trust & improving military-community relations. #CivilMilitaryOperations 2/

Our new report under the SOCAFRICA Coastal West Africa WPS Initiative assesses how Female Engagement Teams (FETs) could strengthen Benin’s Armed Forces (FAB) and enhance civil-military operations. #WPS #Benin #SOCAFRICA 1/

With the Sahel becoming one of the most terrorism-prone regions globally, the decision to divert attention raises concerns about addressing the ongoing challenges posed by jihadist groups in the region.

As the priorities of each new administration dictate policy directions, the escalation of jihadist threats in West Africa, particularly in the Sahel region, raises questions about the shift in focus away from this volatile area....

This shift in policy has led to a directive to downplay the threat of jihadism even in private sector, even impacting social media tools like Meta, fact checkers and moderators.

While the current U.S. government seems focused on counterterrorism efforts against drug cartels in Latin America, there is a growing concern about the threat posed by jihadist groups affiliated with the Islamic State and al-Qaeda in Africa and the Middle East....