Prevention and fight against violent extremism in North Benin : MP Denise Hounmènou is committed

Of 22 at 24 August 2023 in Parakou, women parliamentarians in Benin were equipped with their roles in preventing and combating violent extremism in North Benin. This training is initiated by the parliamentary institute of Benin (IPaB) in collaboration with the caucus of women parliamentarians of Benin under the technical and financial arm of “International Republican Institute” and Wrop-Benin. An initiative welcomed by the deputy of the political party The Democrats, Denise Mahougnon Hounmènou Wife Hounkanrin.

To hear the women parliamentarians, The “terrorist threat” and dangers linked to violent extremism have multiplied in recent years and are increasingly linked to local levels, regional and international. These consequences are transversal in that violent extremism and terrorism exacerbate the problems of governance and inequalities which are already present in certain countries and societies., while increasing the risk of violent conflict. These violent extremist groups are found to exploit and reinforce divisions between social groups and undermine the social contract between citizens and their political leaders.. Faced with this sad observation, everyone must do their part to curb evil. Women being important in the transmission of values ​​and the resolution of crises, their contribution is requested, hence this workshop for women parliamentarians. Now better equipped for their roles in preventing and combating violent extremism specifically in North Benin, MP Denise Mahougnon Hounmènou wife Hounkanrin and her colleagues have made a commitment to raise awareness among populations to change the situation.

Several communications on the central theme furnished the conclave

Among other communications there are : “Radicalisation, Violent extremism, Terrorism, Jihadism: understand the concepts to better approach them “, “The issue of ethnic groups in the fight against violent extremism and terrorism” presented by Dr Aziz Mossi, Sociologist. “Violent extremism and terrorism in Benin: causes, manifestations and consequences” presented by Odilon Koukoubou, Project Manager IRI Benin; “Women in violent extremist groups in West Africa” presented by Estelle Djanato, Security and gender specialist. Others have also focused on “the state response against violent extremism and terrorism in Benin”. “Strengths and weaknesses of the legal and institutional framework for combating terrorism in Benin”, “Regional cooperation in the fight against terrorism : what to learn from the experiences of the G5 Sahel and the Accra initiative”, “The role of Beninese women in preventing and combating violent extremism” and “Initiatives led by women to combat violent extremism” without forgetting “Violent extremism and the use of cultural values ​​as means of prevention”. This theme clarified by Dr Thierry Bidouzo, Assistant professor in public law.

Arnaud ACAKPO (Coll)