Kehinde Fajobi
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has denounced the violent attacks in Northern Benin Republic that claimed dozens of lives.
The assaults, carried out by unidentified armed individuals, occurred on Wednesday in the Point Trible area.
In a statement released on Sunday, the ECOWAS Commission expressed condolences to Benin’s government, security forces, and citizens, as well as to the families of soldiers who died during the attacks.
“The Commission of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS Commission) unequivocally condemns the heinous attacks in the Point Trible area by unidentified armed men on Wednesday, 8 January 2025, which resulted in dozens of casualties.
“The ECOWAS Commission expresses its deepest condolences to the government, security forces, and people of the Republic of Benin, as well as to the families of the brave soldiers who lost their lives protecting their country and wishes a speedy recovery to the injured,” the statement read.
The regional body reaffirmed its commitment to combating terrorism in West Africa and stressed the importance of its Counterterrorism Plan of Action.
It called on member states to intensify cooperation in intelligence sharing and border security to tackle the growing threat of terrorism in the region.
“ECOWAS remains steadfast in its commitment to eradicate terrorism in West Africa, including through the ongoing operationalisation of the Counterterrorism Plan of Action in all its forms.
“ECOWAS calls on all member states to intensify their cooperation in intelligence sharing and border security. ECOWAS expresses its full solidarity with the government and people of Benin.
“It reiterates its determination to accompany member states in their efforts to ensure the safety and security of Community citizens,” the statement added.