The Bénin government has launched a sweeping reform of its national intelligence apparatus by establishing the Direction générale des services (Dgs), which will take over from the Direction des services de liaison et de documentation (Dsld).

This strategic restructuring comes at a time when the country faces mounting security challenges—particularly the growing threat of terrorism and cross-border crime sweeping across West Africa. The move aims to modernize the nation’s intelligence capabilities, giving the new directorate a mandate to collect, analyze, and utilize strategic intelligence while strengthening preventive measures and inter-agency collaboration.

Leadership continuity amid change

Captain Frégate Orphée Hounkanrin, former head of the Dsld, will continue to lead the newly formed Dgs. While the Dsld’s achievements remain largely undisclosed due to classified protocols, the decision to retain its leader underscores the government’s confidence in his leadership and the directorate’s contributions to national security.

By entrusting Captain Hounkanrin with this pivotal role, Bénin’s authorities are signaling their recognition of his expertise in navigating a complex security landscape and bolstering the country’s intelligence infrastructure.