On Tuesday, September 19, 2023, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) in Benin and the National Civil Protection Agency (ANPC) organized a national tabletop crisis management simulation exercise. The objective was to prepare the administrative and security authorities in the intervention zones of the “Community Engagement in Border Governance” program to respond to border humanitarian crises.
As part of the implementation of its “Community Engagement in Border Governance” project, IOM and ANPC led the national-level tabletop crisis management simulation exercise (TABLEX) on Tuesday in Cotonou. This activity involved preparing for the management of crises of various kinds by designing and presenting a fictional crisis scenario to participants from the departments of Borgou, Alibori, Plateau, Collines, and Atacora to simulate.
The tabletop exercise was officially launched by Chief Police Commissioner Yannick Lègba, representing the Beninese Agency for Integrated Border Management (ABeGeEF). He emphasized that the project, titled “Community Engagement in Border Governance,” aligns well with the national policy for the development of border areas, which aims to strengthen the defense and security of border spaces.
A Solid Preparation for Future Responses “The exercise we are participating in here allows us to practice and prepare for possible situations that require an effective response. No one will be too many, which is why I wanted to invite mayors and prefects to fully engage in this exercise,” he stated.
In his address, Chief Police Commissioner Yannick Lègba also urged participants to demonstrate applicability and diligence to achieve the goal of preparing administrative and security authorities effectively.
Patrice Affo, representing the International Organization for Migration (IOM) in Benin, outlined the project’s objectives. He emphasized that it would be difficult, if not impossible, to talk about responding to crises and disasters without adequate preparation. “At IOM, we believe that good preparation is the foundation for an adequate and effective future response to crises and disasters that may occur,” he explained.
Toussaint Adjehoussou, representing the National Civil Protection Agency, expressed his appreciation for the organization of this tabletop crisis management simulation exercise (TABLEX). He noted that this exercise comes at a critical time when Benin is experiencing severe flooding in various basins.
Assurances from Authorities at Various Levels After assuring participants that the ANPC is working with various mayors to play its role at the national level, Toussaint Adjehoussou thanked IOM for organizing this workshop, which will allow them to practice dealing with crisis situations.
Present at the workshop, the Prefect of the Ouémé Department, Marie Akpotrossou, commended IOM’s initiative. She emphasized the importance of adapting to climate change due to the porosity of the borders and the need to address these challenges collectively.
Simon Adébayo Dinan, President of the Beninese Association of Border Communes and Mayor of Pobè, highlighted the importance of the tabletop crisis management simulation exercise. He discussed emergency situations that often occur at the borders and stressed the need for contingency plans in all border communes.
“It is important that all the border communes in our country have a contingency plan that takes into account all these aspects. We do not wish for these situations to happen, but when they do, we must be ready to take the lead before informing the ANPC, the Ministry of the Interior, and all others who will come to assist,” he clarified.
He assured his full availability as the mayor of border communes to support any initiative that would make border communities feel comfortable, develop infrastructure in border areas, and ensure that border populations truly belong to Benin and have no desire to cross elsewhere. “That is the goal we are pursuing, and we would like to count on all stakeholders,” he implored.
Regarding the simulation exercise feedback The tabletop crisis management simulation exercise (TABLEX) is part of the “Community Engagement in Border Governance” program, funded by the U.S. Department of State and implemented by IOM. The program aims to promote best practices in community engagement in border management by strengthening trust between administrative and security authorities and communities.
Following the workshop, a feedback session is scheduled for Wednesday, September 20, 2023, to assess the final report on the tabletop crisis management simulation exercise (TABLEX).
