Society

The government of Benin has announced the urgent repair of damaged roofs in 135 public secondary schools (Collèges d’Enseignement Général), as decided during the Council of Ministers meeting on Wednesday, May 28, 2025. Faced with the alarming deterioration of school infrastructure—caused in part by storms and high winds—the Council resolved to rehabilitate the roofs of […]

The government of Benin has officially declared Thursday, May 29, 2025, a public holiday, with full pay and time off, throughout the national territory. The announcement was made in a statement from the Ministry of Labor and Civil Service. The decision comes in observance of Ascension Day, a Christian holiday. The communiqué, signed by the […]

The Guinean law firm Thiam & Associés, operating in Abidjan, Ivory Coast, is under legal scrutiny for allegedly practicing law without authorization. The firm stands accused of violating the West African Economic and Monetary Union (UEMOA) regulation on the free movement and establishment of lawyers within the community. The Ivory Coast Bar Association has publicly […]

Discontent is mounting among Nigerien transport workers, who are grappling with rising insecurity and a prolonged diplomatic standoff between Niamey and Cotonou. The deadly May 18, 2025 attack on a freight convoy traveling along the Burkina Faso corridor has reignited anger in a sector already weakened by two years of border closure with Benin. Mahamadou […]

In an official statement issued on Tuesday, May 27, 2025, under reference 2025/0503/P-UIB/SG/SGA/SA, the Islamic Union of Benin (UIB) announced key dates for the holy month of Dhul Hijjah 1446, setting the religious calendar for the Muslim community in Benin. According to the findings of the National Moon Sighting Commission, the first day of Dhul […]

Once announced as a symbol of President Patrice Talon’s “rupture” agenda, the northern bypass project in Cotonou now stands as a stark illustration of the challenges tied to ambitious infrastructure ventures in Benin. Amid bold political promises, shifting routes, technical delays, and financial uncertainties, not a single meter of asphalt has been laid to date. […]

The examination season for the 2024–2025 academic year has officially kicked off in Togo. On Monday, May 26, written tests for the first part of the Baccalaureate (BAC 1) began across the entire country. A total of 90,249 candidates from general, technical, and vocational education streams are taking part in this session. For them, the […]

On Tuesday, May 27, 2025, French lawmakers voted in first reading to approve a controversial bill establishing a right to assisted dying, along with a separate proposal to strengthen palliative care. The aim is to provide a legal framework for end-of-life care, balancing patient autonomy, medical support, and the preservation of human dignity. This marks […]

On May 22, 2025, the High Authority for Audiovisual and Communication (HAAC) of the Republic of Benin issued a major decision regarding the publication of newspapers and periodicals legally recognized in the country. This decision, registered under number 25-033/HAAC, aims to clarify and update the list of publications in compliance with the country’s current legal […]

That was the clear message delivered by José Didier Tonato, Benin’s Minister of Living Environment and Transport, during the televised program “PAG 2021–2026: accountability”. Amid growing doubts about this strategic infrastructure project, Minister Tonato offered key clarifications. “Many believe the project has been dropped, but that’s not the case. As I’ve said, we’re moving forward […]

A car driven by an individual struck several pedestrians on Water Street in Liverpool, England.The incident occurred on Monday, May 26, 2025, shortly after 6 p.m., amid celebrations for Liverpool Football Club’s English Premier League title. A serious incident disrupted the festivities in Liverpool on Monday, May 26, 2025. As thousands of supporters celebrated the […]

Chimène Yédjénou, a legal officer at the Legal Affairs Unit of Benin’s National Institute for Women (INF), has raised alarm over the dramatic rise in sexual violence across the country, based on recent INF statistics. Benin is facing a troubling surge in sexual violence, particularly rape, according to data released by the National Institute for […]

On Monday, May 26, 2025, Steve Amoussou—suspected of being the controversial commentator known as “Brother Hounvi”—once again appeared before the Court for the Repression of Economic Offenses and Terrorism (CRIET). Expected to finally hear the verdict in the case that has kept him in detention, the defendant left the courtroom empty-handed. The Court postponed its […]

Candidates for the 2025 Baccalaureate session in Benin now have the official schedule for their initial assessments. In a press release, the Directorate of the Baccalaureate Office (DOB) announced that the practical exams will begin on Monday, May 26, 2025. Students in technical and vocational streams will be the first to sit for their tests. […]

One week ahead of the official start of the 2025 session of the Primary School Certificate exam (Certificat d’Études Primaires, CEP), official figures have been released. A total of 271,890 candidates are expected to sit for the exam across testing centers throughout the country, according to a note signed by the Director of Exams and […]

In response to viral images showing several modern markets submerged after heavy rains, the Beninese government has offered clarifications through its spokesperson, Léandre Houngbédji. According to him, the water infiltration observed is not due to structural defects but stems from a deliberate technical choice aimed at promoting natural ventilation. “You’ve seen the design, the roofing: […]

The Episcopal Conference of Benin (CEB) is sounding the alarm over the persistent poverty affecting a large portion of the population. At the conclusion of its 75th ordinary plenary session, held from May 21 to 23, 2025, the Catholic institution called for a national mobilization to build a fairer society focused on human dignity. In […]