Bénin security minister Djibril Mama Cisse visits Kandi and Parakou to strengthen public safety

On tuesday 23 june 2026, the beninese minister of interior and public security, Djibril Mama Cisse, continued his security tour in the towns of Kandi and Parakou. The visit aimed to assess field realities and refine strategies for public safety across Bénin.

The minister and his delegation toured the specialised polyvalent intervention group (GSPI) base in Kandi, the departmental civil protection agencies of Alibori and Borgou, the mobile intervention unit of the republican police in Parakou, and the departmental directorate of interior and public security in Parakou. The objective was to listen to security personnel and gather firsthand insights to improve operational efficiency.

“I want my presence here to be understood as my willingness to listen. I came to hear you,” the minister told police officers of all ranks gathered at the GSPI base in Kandi. In both cities, he encouraged open dialogue, inviting officers to share challenges that hinder effectiveness. The government and hierarchy, he said, would work to resolve these issues to boost performance and resource use.

Officers raised concerns about career management, promotions, the duration of postings in high-risk areas, lack of motivation, insufficient or absent risk allowances, shortage of specialists, and inadequate human resources. They also cited problems such as the lack of GSM networks in some localities, sabotage of telecommunication towers, and inadequate protection at certain police stations.

In response, the director general of the republican police, the ministry’s secretary general, and other delegation members outlined ongoing initiatives to address some of the concerns, discussed ongoing studies, and proposed solutions, particularly regarding career progression.

Minister Djibril Mama Cisse commended the security forces on behalf of the government and its head, praising their courage and spirit of sacrifice. “Thanks to you, beninese citizens go about their daily lives in peace and tranquility. It is because of you that the republic stands strong,” he stated.

“I did not come to make promises. But challenges must be tackled,” he added. The minister called on all components of the public security forces to fully commit. Resolving the raised issues will be a government priority so that Bénin remains safe and can continue its development without hindrance.