Beninese Government Confirms Arrival of 5,000 Burkinabe Refugees Amid Terrorist Threats

The Beninese government has confirmed that 5,000 Burkinabe refugees have arrived in northern Benin, fleeing the escalating terrorist threats in Burkina Faso.

Government spokesperson Wilfried Léandre Houngbédji announced the arrival on Sunday, July 21, 2024.

Houngbédji explained that the refugees’ displacement was driven by the intensifying terrorist activities in Burkina Faso. Despite recent accusations by Burkina Faso’s military leader, Capt. Ibrahim Traoré, against Benin, the Beninese government remains committed to assisting the refugees.

He emphasized that Benin is taking proactive measures to alleviate the suffering of the refugees, reaffirming the country’s dedication to the principles of pan-Africanism and the free movement of people and goods within the ECOWAS area. Houngbédji assured that Benin is providing all necessary humanitarian assistance to the refugees.

This influx is reminiscent of 2021, when over 200 Burkinabe refugees fled terrorist threats and were welcomed in the commune of Matéri in the Atacora department, northwest Benin. These refugees had escaped from Yabtankouagou, in the commune of Madjaouri in Burkina Faso.

 

Report by Akuvi Ahiagble

 

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