Has The Beninese Government Requested Burkina Faso’s Assistance In Fighting Terrorism?
On October 6, 2025, an X user @LegitTargets made a claim that the government of the Republic of Benin has officially called on neighbouring Burkina Faso to assist in defending against terrorist threats. The post had an image Burkina Faso President Ibrahim Traore and French President Emmanuel Macron with the caption, “🚨🇧🇯🇧🇫🇫🇷 BREAKING: BENIN confirms that they've called on BURKINA FASO to help defend against TERRORIST THREATS, despite French troops occupying their territory.”
When this report was published, this claim had about 117,500 views and over 4,850 replies, reposts, quotes, likes and bookmarks. In the comment section, @beautifulAfrica wrote “Patrice Talon is weak and a French puppet. Ironically his masters manipulate him with threats of terrorism and coups to assert their dominance” and @Izemthinks said “vincent bolore is not happy with this kind of stuff. we must send the army tout de suite.“
VERIFICATION
Benin has been facing increasing terrorist attacks, particularly in its northern regions bordering Burkina Faso and Niger. In April 2025, reports confirmed that dozens of Beninese soldiers were killed in coordinated assaults by armed groups in the Alibori region. The attacks show the growing insecurity spilling over from the Sahel into coastal West Africa.
Amid the ongoing security challenges, no credible record or official statement from the Beninese government shows that the government has asked Burkina Faso for military assistance.
In July 2025, French officially ended its military engagement in West Africa, along with its direct involvement in the region’s security challenges. There is no evidence that French troops occupy or control any part of Beninese territory. Both Benin and France have publicly denied allegations of military interference or the use of Benin’s territory for operations against neighbouring countries such as Burkina Faso.
CONCLUSION
The claim that Benin has called on Burkina Faso to help defend against terrorist threats despite French troops occupying its territory is FALSE. There is no credible evidence that the country has formally invited Burkina Faso’s military for assistance or that French forces currently occupy or control any part of Beninese territory. Both countries have publicly denied accusations of interference in the internal military or security affairs of any West African nation.
