Colonel Djehoungo takes command of Operation Mirador
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on La Nouvelle Tribune
Colonel Claude Raoul Djehoungo has become commander of the Theatre of Operation Mirador, tasked with strengthening the military presence in northern Benin. He succeeds Colonel André Dokoui Fofo, promoted to head of the army, according to the general staff of the Beninese Armed Forces.
Colonel Claude Raoul Djehoungo was appointed on Wednesday 11 November 2026 as commander of the Theatre of Operation Mirador, the Beninese military operation deployed in the north of the country against the terrorist threat. He succeeds Colonel André Dokoui Fofo, appointed head of the army on 4 November, by decision of the chief of general staff of the Beninese Armed Forces, Lieutenant General Abou Issa.
Launched in January 2022, Operation Mirador deploys around 3,000 soldiers at forward bases and fortified outposts along the northern border. It also includes civil-military activities. According to the general staff of the Beninese Armed Forces, 73 activities have benefited around 63,600 people in 18 communes in the departments of Atacora, Alibori and Borgou.
During a working session with the new command, General Abou Issa reaffirmed the offensive direction of operations against terrorist groups. He asked Colonel Djehoungo to step up action for people living in areas affected by insecurity. The chief of general staff also pledged to seek government authorities’ support to obtain the resources needed for the operation.
Lieutenant Colonel Mathieu Hessou was appointed deputy commander of the theatre of operations. Colonel Joselyto Alapini, for his part, takes charge of the air operations unit of the theatre’s general staff. General Abou Issa, installed as chief of general staff on 4 November 2026, has made strengthening military operations one of his priorities.
The reorganisation follows the appointment of General Abou Issa as head of the Beninese armed forces on 9 November, as part of the reorganisation of Benin’s senior military command, launched on 4 November.
