Attachments
Description of the Event
Date when the trigger was met
10-05-2023
What happened, where and when?
In recent years, the threat posed by non-state armed groups (NSAGs) has intensied in the Sahel region, particularly along the border between Burkina Faso, Benin, and Togo. Initially concentrated in the eastern border of Burkina Faso and Benin, particularly in W and Pendjari National Parks, as well as in the Alibori and Atacora regions, these attacks have led to the displacement of populations. In January 2023, the actions of armed groups spread to the communes surrounding Pendjari and W parks, aecting localities such as Matéri, Cobly, Tanguiéta, Banikoara, Malanville, Karimama and Kerou. These attacks have resulted in the forced displacement of populations in these areas, with assessments indicating that, between 3 April and 10 May 2023, approximately 28 people lost their lives and 6,852 people were displaced in the communes of Matéri, Tanguiéta and Kérou. In response, local authorities in Atacora organized an emergency meeting with partners on 5 May, requesting assistance from the Red Cross of Benin (RCB) on 10 May 2023 to support the aected people.
According to data collected on 25 October 2023, approximately 13,222 people have been displaced in Atacora Prefecture and 5,837 in Alibori Prefecture, totaling 19,059 displaced persons. The aected municipalities in the department of Atacora include Cobly, Kérou, Tanguiéta, Matéri, Natitingou and Toucoutouna, while in the department of Alibori these are Banikoara, Karimama and Malanville. Since May, the numbers have doubled due to the continued inux of internally displaced people and asylum-seekers. Distribution campaigns have revealed that the needs of displaced people are exceeding expectations, particularly with regard to food kits and cash assistance. The assistance provided were not sucient to fully meet these needs.
Scope and Scale
The situation in northern Benin highlights the consequences of attacks by non-state armed groups, affecting civilians, resulting in displacement, loss of life and putting additional pressure on host communities. The attacks resulted in a number of casualties, including civilians and soldiers. The loss of life and injuries are evidence of the situation of conflict. The violence has forced large numbers of people to ee their homes, leading to an increase in the number of refugees and internally displaced persons (IDPs). The conflict is not limited to Benin alone but has spread to the neighbouring regions of northern Togo and the border between Burkina Faso and Niger. This cross-border impact complicates the situation and requires a regional response. Needs identified by local authorities included food, shelter, health care, poverty alleviation, and water, hygiene and sanitation. The assistance provided by the Red Cross currently accounts for only a relatively small percentage of overall needs. The crisis is not only affecting the displaced population but is also putting a strain on host communities. The risk of impoverishment of host families is a major concern, highlighting the need for comprehensive support to displaced and host communities. The porosity of the borders exacerbates the situation, facilitating the movement of both the population and armed groups. This poses ongoing security challenges and increases the risk of further displacement and violence.
Based on the synthesis of the data made by NS based on information collected by volunteers through Kobo, the people affected were as follows: 38,327 people affected, including 23,285 children and adolescents in the communes of Matéri, Tanguiéta and Kérou.
The situation in northern Benin is a complex humanitarian crisis that requires a multifaceted and collaborative response. The international community, as well as relevant organizations, should work together to alleviate the suffering of people affected by armed conflict, respond to urgent needs and promote stability in the region.
According to the Multi-Hazard Monitoring Tool for Coastal West African Countries as of 30 November 2023, Benin continues to record the highest number of incidents, with a predominance of attacks against civilians and clashes between a non-state armed group and law enforcement forces. The clashes between non-state armed groups and security forces persist with a higher frequency than in Togo. The population at risk is estimated at 1.9 million in the Alibori and Atacora regions.
According to the IOM's Displacement and Mobility Index in July 2023, the number of internally displaced persons was 10,034, including 3,331 men; 3,432 women; and 3,271 children under 18.