Multi-hazard Surveillance Tool for West African Coastal Countries: Benin - Côte d’Ivoire - Ghana - Togo (GRANIT) (as of 30 September 2024)

Key information on the changing context (August – September 2024)

— In August and September 2024, the number of violent incidents fell by 26 per cent compared with the June-July period. Benin again recorded the highest number of incidents, most notably clashes between non-state armed groups and the security forces, and kidnappings.

— Benin: In Benin, a former minister, a member of the Republican Guard and a businessman who is a potential candidate for the 2026 presidency were arrested on the night of 23 to 24 September, accused of attempting to overthrow President Talon’s government. In addition, diplomatic relations with Niger have improved, notably with the reopening of the Benin embassy in Niamey on 6 August. However, violence between non-state armed groups and the defence and security forces persists in the north of the country.

— Côte d’Ivoire: Diplomatic relations between Côte d’Ivoire and Burkina Faso have been strained recently. In mid-September, Burkina Faso recalled all its diplomatic staff in Côte d’Ivoire and summoned the embassy’s chargé d’affaires without prior warning.

— Ghana: Ghana recorded one violent incident in August and September, with no apparent link to non-state armed groups. However, a Reuters report published in October suggested that non-state armed groups from Burkina Faso were using the northern regions of Ghana as fallback areas. The Ghanaian authorities have confirmed infiltration, but have denied accusations of agreements with these armed groups. In addition, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Commission has donated 500 metric tonnes of cereals to Ghana to support the national response plan against food insecurity. This donation is in addition to a USD 628,000 contribution from the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office to fortify food to improve the quality of school meals for 55,300 children in the northern and transitional zones of Ghana. The programme would also target small-scale farmers and rice growers, particularly in drought-affected areas.

— Togo: In August, Togolese MPs extended the state of emergency in the Savanes region to facilitate the deployment of operational forces and to respond to attacks by non-state armed groups in the territory. No violent incidents were reported during the August-September period; however, violence across the border in Burkina Faso is causing displacement to northern Togo, where many refugee children are returning to school despite precarious living conditions.