Informal Offer of Public Security in Benin: The Instrumentalisation of Self-defence Groups by the State

Despite their invaluable contribution in the fight against robbers, the Dambanga in Benin are constantly in search of recognition as legitimate by the courts and their status varies according to different state officials. This study examines the everyday strategies developed by the Dambanga to claim legal recognition in the security system in Benin. It tries to go beyond the current debates on the relationship between vigilantism and the state by looking particularly at the actors’ own strategies to negotiate their official recognition. It is found that state officials adopt opportunistic behaviour by accepting or prohibiting such groups depending on the circumstances.