BENIN PRESIDENT WADAGNI RESHUFFLES MILITARY LEADERSHIP AFTER FAILED COUP
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By Aishat Momoh. O.
Benin’s President, Romuald Wadagni, on Wednesday announced a reshuffle of the country’s military leadership, nearly a year after an attempted coup was foiled.
In December 2025, the Beninese military thwarted an attempt by some officers to overthrow Wadagni’s predecessor, Patrice Talon, with support from France and Nigeria.
Following the failed coup, Talon had declared that the “situation is completely under control” after loyalist soldiers helped the government repel the plot.
Wadagni, who served as economy minister under Talon for 10 years, became president in April 2026.
Under the latest changes, General Abou Issa was appointed to replace General Fructeux Gbaguidi as head of the military. Gbaguidi will instead serve as permanent secretary of the National Defence and Security Council.
Colonel Andre Dokoui Fofo was named head of the army, while Colonel Herve Setondji Allotchenou will lead the air force. Captain Dossa Hounkpatin was appointed head of the navy.
The reshuffle comes as Benin faces growing jihadist threats in its northern regions, where fighters affiliated with Al-Qaeda and the Islamic State group have been operating across the borders with Burkina Faso and Niger.
The security challenge is further complicated by strained relations between Benin and its Sahel neighbours, which are governed by military juntas wary of the country’s close ties with France.
Having taken office in April, Wadagni has identified the deteriorating security situation in the north as one of the major challenges facing his administration.
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