Benin: Romuald Wadagni restructures the military high command

Benin's President Romuald Wadagn is undertaking a reorganization of the military hierarchy. Meeting on Wednesday, November 4, 2026, the Council of Ministers decided on a major reshuffle at the head of the Beninese Armed Forces, with several changes in key command positions.

Lieutenant General Abou Issa is the new Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces. He succeeds General Fructueux Gbaguidi, who had held the position since 2022 and who becomes Permanent Secretary of the National Defense and Security Council.

The reorganization also affects the various branches of the armed forces. Colonel André Dokoui Fofo takes command of the army, while Colonel Hervé Sètondji Allotchenou is appointed chief of staff of the air force. At the navy, command falls to Captain Dossa Hounkpatin.

The National Guard is also undergoing a change of leadership with the appointment of Colonel-Major Codjo Saturnin Obelakoun as its head.

These appointments come amid a security context marked by persistent terrorist attacks in northern Benin. They thus reshape the country's military chain of command, a few months after Romuald Wadagni's rise to the presidency.

Yolande Bazié