Featured stories about Benin
Stories about Benin
Africa's heritage restitution debate extends to audio and visual archives
Unlike artifacts whose functionality and value do not depend on the medium they can be accessed through, visual and sound recordings are subject to the vagaries of technology.
French media ignores minority role models during COVID-19 coverage
Public health specialists who appear on French TV to discuss the coronavirus pandemic do not reflect the diversity of the French public.
Benin's partial withdrawal from African Charter of Human Rights is a retreat from democracy
Benin drops 17 places in the 2020 World Press Freedom Index, following the withdrawal from a key document of the African Charter of Human and People's Rights.
8 West African countries rename currency in historic break from France — but colonial-era debts persist
Changing the CFA franc to "Eco" does not change the fact that many West African countries are still locked in a legacy of debt to France in its colonial-era deposit system.
Benin sees internet blackout on election day
A nationwide internet shutdown that lasted well into the night, leaving voters in the dark about their election day choices.
The repatriation of African artifacts to countries of origin is tricky business
Many of Africa's "stolen artifacts from colonial times were generally given or donated to French public collections. Thus, these artworks ... have become a property of the French state."
Netizen Report: Internet taxes are sweeping sub-Saharan Africa — and silencing citizens
The Advox Netizen Report offers an international snapshot of challenges, victories, and emerging trends in Internet rights around the world.
Nursery Rhymes Like the Incy Wincy Spider, Animated and Translated Into the Yoruba Language
A Nigerian mother living in the diaspora is creating online videos of Yoruba-language nursery rhymes for all children to maintain their Yoruba roots.
On the Eve of Benin's Elections, Here Are the Main Candidates
An overview of lead candidates ahead of the elections in April in Benin.
The Complexities of Adapting to Climate Change in Benin
Poverty, practicalities and lack of awareness can complicate efforts to do so, experts at a conference on development and climate change in Benin concluded.
Another Celebrity Wants to Help Africa, And He's No ‘Band Aid’
When it comes to helping Africa, there is Bob Geldof's approach with "Band Aid," and then there is Akon's.
The Impact of Climate Change on the Rural Population of Benin
Alain TOSSOUNON of Benin posted on the West African Network of Journalists for water and sanitation (WASH) blog a summary of the report on the evaluation of post disaster needs in Benin after the recent major floods. The disaster caused the death of nearly fifty people and caused damage estimated...
Meet Valentin Agon, Pioneer of Local Cures Against Infectious Diseases in Benin
Valentin Agon is the creator of the Api-Palu pill, a locally produced remedy based on endemic plants. He was just awarded [fr] the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) Award for his new product against malaria. Pascal Hounkpatin reports for La Presse du Jour: De la cueillette des feuilles au produit fini (gélules...
A 80 Year-long Wait: Niger Gets its First Train Station
On April 7, Niger inaugurated in the capital Niamey its first train station ever [fr]. The authorities already projected the construction of the train station 80 years ago but the project never took off. The event will kick start the construction of railroads between Niger, Benin, Burkina Faso and Côte d'Ivoire....
Examining the Post-Colonial Evolution of Francophone and Anglophone Africa
The topic of the post-colonial evolution of francophone versus anglophone African states has always a fodder for intense debate. Cheidozié Dike, from Nigeria, brings a new perspective to the subject : While the French Loi Cadre system was mostly about integration, the British colonial system sought only exploitation. Creating an...
INFOGRAPHIC: Pursuit of Happiness in Africa
The Afrographique blog mapped the happiness index for the African continent. Topping the ranking are Angola and Mauritius who hold the same happiness index as Albania and Russia, respectively. In related news, the Pharell’ single “Happy” has been used by dancers around the world to celebrate the new year 2014....
5 Energy Treasures in Africa You Haven't Heard About
Most African countries still suffer frequent power outages which inhibit economic growth. They are not, however, lacking in resources. This post outlines some of those least known in Africa.
French Strategical Report to Counter China's Economic Influence in Africa
Top Francophone economists & diplomats (namely H El-Karoui from Morocco, T Thiam from Côte d'Ivoire, L Zinsou from Benin, J-M Severino and H Vedrine from France) submitted a joint report [fr] that outlines the strategy that France should implement to remain competitive on the African Market in the near future. Joel Té-Léssia highlights...
Reasons for Power Outages in Benin
Benin has suffered more power outages over the last few days with the national electric energy company (SEEB) denying all responsibility. Nigeria supplies a large quantity of Benin's power, even though it has difficulty providing its own citizens with electricity.
Massive Railway Project between Niamey and Cotonou Underway
A 1,500 km-long railway project between Niamey, the capital city of Niger and Cotonou, the capital city of Benin has been green lighted by the authorities of the two countries and construction will begin on March 2014 [fr]. Francois Ndiaye in Niamey unpacks the set up of the financial agreement [fr] that includes...
Newfound Oil Met With Hope, Concern in Benin
The Benin government has announced the discovery of a source of oil in the Sèmè-Podji region. The find has pleased some, but others remain skeptical.
