Benin president reshuffles army leadership
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on Punch
Benin President Romuald Wadagni has appointed General Abou Issa as head of the army, replacing General Fructueux Gbaguidi, who has been assigned to the National Defence and Security Council. Three other officers are taking charge of the land, air and naval forces amid a jihadist threat in the north, Punch reports.
Benin President Romuald Wadagni reshuffled the leadership of the country’s armed forces on Wednesday 4 November 2026. General Abou Issa replaced General Fructueux Gbaguidi, who was appointed permanent secretary of the National Defence and Security Council, Punch reported, citing Agence France-Presse.
Colonel André Dokoui Fofo took charge of the army, Colonel Hervé Setondji Allotchenou of the air force and Captain Dossa Hounkpatin of the navy. The changes come as northern Benin faces a growing jihadist threat near Burkina Faso and Niger.
The reshuffle comes nearly a year after the foiled coup attempt in December 2025 against President Patrice Talon, Romuald Wadagni’s predecessor. It also comes as Cotonou’s relations with its Sahelian neighbours, led by military juntas, are strained because of its close ties with France, according to Punch.
