On Tuesday, June 23, 2026, Minister of Interior and Public Security Djibril Mama Cisse resumed his tour in the towns of Kandi and Parakou.

Accompanied by his delegation, the minister toured the Special Multipurpose Intervention Group (GSPI) base in Kandi, the departmental civil protection offices in Alibori and Borgou, the Republican Police’s Mobile Intervention Company in Parakou, and the Departmental Directorate of Interior and Public Security in Parakou. The objective of this visit is to assess ground-level security realities and to sharpen strategies and plans for public security in Bénin.

The minister opened discussions at the Republican Police’s Special Intervention Group base in Kandi by stating, ‘I want my visit to be understood as a desire to listen. I am here to hear you.’ In both Parakou and Kandi, he encouraged open dialogue, urging officers to voice the challenges they face. Solving these issues through leadership and government action, he noted, would enhance operational effectiveness and resource efficiency.

Officers raised concerns about career advancement, promotions, prolonged postings in high-risk areas, low morale, inadequate or missing risk bonuses, a shortage of specialists, and understaffing. Additional issues included the lack of GSM network coverage in some areas, vandalism of transmission towers, and insufficient security infrastructure at certain police stations.

In response, the Director General of the Republican Police, the ministry’s Secretary General, and other delegation members outlined steps already underway to address several of the concerns, along with ongoing discussions and potential solutions, particularly regarding career paths for personnel.

On behalf of the government and its leader, Minister Djibril Mama Cisse praised the security forces for their courage and dedication, emphasizing that their work allows the people of Bénin to live in peace. ‘It is because of you that the Republic remains strong,’ he stated.

The minister added, ‘I am not here to make promises, but we must tackle the challenges.’ He urged all branches of the public security forces to dedicate themselves fully. Addressing the raised concerns will be a top government priority to ensure Bénin stays secure and its development proceeds unimpeded.