Benin: The Victim of Spillover Terrorism

Spillover Terrorism is a phenomenon in which terrorism in one country gradually spreads into a neighbouring nation. One place where this is particularly evident is the West African nation of Benin, which shares borders with some of the most terror-stricken countries on the continent. One group that has spilt over from neighbouring Niger and Nigeria is the Islamic State of the Greater Sahara (ISGS). The most affected area by this spillover terrorism is the Alibori Department. On the 17th of April, the Alibori Department witnessed its most horrific attack when ISGS fighters conducted a nighttime raid on the Malanville police headquarters. According to TRAC Terrorism (2023), this attack marks the beginning of further IS campaigns in Benin. The Alibori Department has seemingly become an operational hub for ISGS.