Benin: former mayor Abdoulaye Zimé has died

In Benin, the former sub-prefect of Nikki, Abdoulaye Zimé, passed away on the night from Thursday to Friday, 28 November 2025, at the age of 70.

He died after a long illness. The news plunged the town of Nikki into deep sadness.

Born on 17 November 1955 in Sinendé, Abdoulaye Zimé was an Inspector of Labour. He succeeded Adam Boni Tessi as head of the sub-prefecture of Nikki following his appointment by decree No. 99-081 of 12 February 1999. He led the local administration until 2003, the year decentralization was introduced.

He left a lasting mark during his term. Under his leadership, the Gaani organization took on a new dimension. With support from PNUD, FENU and the government, he carried the Local Development Support Project. This program later became PASNAREP. The project’s headquarters now houses the SBEE division of Nikki.

He also oversaw several subdivision operations, notably in the Gah-Maro and Gori-Maro neighborhoods.

After his time in Nikki, Abdoulaye Zimé was elected mayor of Sinendé from 2005 to 2008. There too, he left his mark and strengthened municipal action.

In 2016, he was involved in organizing pilgrimages to Mecca. This involvement led him to the position of Permanent Secretary of the Hajj in Benin under Honorary Minister Aurélien Agbénonci. He held this post until Minister Olushegun Adjadi Bakari took office in June 2023.

The passing of Abdoulaye Zimé leaves a void in a region he served consistently. His trajectory remains that of an administrator close to the people and committed to local development.