Benin reshapes national intelligence with new general directorate

The Republic of Bénin has launched a sweeping overhaul of its intelligence apparatus by establishing the Direction générale des services (Dgs), a strategic move set to phase out the long-standing Direction des services de liaison et de documentation (Dsld).

This bold restructuring comes at a time when the West African region faces mounting pressure from terrorist threats and cross-border crime. The primary goal is to equip the nation with a more agile and sophisticated intelligence service capable of enhancing national security. The Dgs will take charge of gathering, analyzing, and leveraging critical intelligence, while also strengthening threat prevention and fostering collaboration with allied agencies.

Continuity in leadership

The newly appointed head of the Dgs is Captain de frégate Orphée Hounkanrin, who previously led the Dsld. Though the achievements of the outgoing service remain largely undisclosed due to confidentiality protocols, the decision to retain Hounkanrin at the helm of the Dgs signals strong approval from state authorities. By entrusting him with this pivotal role, Bénin’s leadership underscores the captain’s proven expertise and his instrumental role in fortifying the nation’s intelligence framework amid escalating security challenges.