Bénin has embarked on a significant overhaul of its intelligence framework, establishing the new Direction générale des services (DGS) to replace the Direction des services de liaison et de documentation (DSLD).

This strategic restructuring emerges amidst heightened terrorist threats and persistent transnational crime across the West African sub-region. The primary objective, as confirmed by our analysis, is to equip Bénin with a more advanced and highly effective intelligence service. The DGS will be tasked with the critical functions of collecting, analyzing, and leveraging strategic intelligence. Furthermore, it is mandated to bolster threat prevention mechanisms and foster robust cooperation with international partner agencies.

Leadership continuity in intelligence services

Captain Orphée Hounkanrin, who previously led the DSLD, will maintain his position at the helm of the newly formed DGS. While the specific achievements of the DSLD often remain undisclosed due to national security protocols, the decision to retain its former director strongly indicates the authorities’ satisfaction with his past performance. By reaffirming their trust in Captain Orphée Hounkanrin, Béninese decision-makers appear to acknowledge his profound expertise and his vital contributions to strengthening the nation’s intelligence capabilities within a particularly demanding security landscape.