The Bénin government has initiated a sweeping reform of its intelligence apparatus by establishing the Direction générale des services (DGS), a new structure designed to supersede the Direction des services de liaison et de documentation (DSLD).

This strategic reorganization comes amid escalating security challenges in the West African subregion, where terrorism and transnational crime pose growing threats. The primary goal of this transition is to equip Bénin with a more agile, modern intelligence service capable of enhanced threat detection, strategic data analysis, and seamless cooperation with regional security partners.

Leadership continuity strengthens new agency

Captain Orphée Hounkanrin, former head of the DSLD, has been retained to lead the DGS. While the achievements of the DSLD remain largely undisclosed due to national security protocols, the decision to retain its director underscores the government’s confidence in his leadership. By entrusting him with the DGS, authorities signal their recognition of his expertise in strengthening Bénin’s intelligence framework during a period of heightened regional instability.