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The Latest Breaking News from Benin

A twin city break showed me why this West African country shouldn’t be overlooked

On a tour of Cotonou and Ouidah, Phil Thomas learns about Benin’s unique history, exploring sites that illuminate its voodoo belief system, the lingering shadow of the slave trade and art that looks towards a bright future

The Independent UK

Benin bets on turning its cotton crop into clothes at home

The fabrics made by Fatoumata Dosso carry the tag “Made in Benin.”

The Independent UK

JNIM jihadists step up incursions into northern Benin

Al Qaeda affiliate JNIM has been intensifying its activities in Benin since 2022. The country serves as a transit corridor between the areas of operation of the group, which is well established in Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso. Two nature reserves have become logistical hubs for the jihadist fighters. Benin's…

France 24

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Trafficked on the last US slave ship, Cudjo Lewis never returned home to Benin. But his descendant has

Cassandra Lewis’s Benin citizenship reflects a broader push by African countries to reconnect with diaspora descendants

The Guardian - US

In Benin, malnutrition and misinformed views contribute to widespread stunting in children

In Benin, stunting affects a third of children under 5 due to malnutrition, despite abundant resources

The Independent UK

Beninese-French singer Angélique Kidjo makes history as first Black African to get Hollywood Walk of Fame star

“By becoming the first African artist to receive this global honour, the Beninese icon has etched her name into history and raised the rhythms, creativity and dignity of our entire nation to the highest level," said Benin’s President Romuald Wadagni.

Euronews

Hollywood honours Angelique Kidjo as first Black African Walk of Fame star

Five-time Grammy winner Angelique Kidjo became the first Black African to receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on Tuesday, marking a milestone for African music. The Beninese-French singer was honored at a ceremony in Los Angeles attended by film stars and leading figures from the music industry.

France 24

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Nigeria’s border closure failed to stop smuggling. Here’s why

Border closures don’t always produce the intended objectives. The idea is usually to control illegal movements and prohibited goods, lessen informal trade, reinforce customs operations, and regain control of national borders. But history shows that in cases as diverse as England, the Asante Kingdom, the US and colonial Nigeria/Benin, stiffer…

The Conversation

Ex-Benin president Talon makes political comeback via newly founded Senate

Benin’s newly created Senate elected former president Patrice Talon as its leader on Thursday in Porto-Novo, less than three months after he left office. He will serve a five-year term at the head of the country’s new second chamber of Parliament.

Radio France Internationale

Benin’s new Senate raises questions over power and legitimacy

Benin’s new senate was inaugurated in Porto-Novo last week, creating a second chamber of parliament with powers to review legislation, protect constitutional rules and discipline political figures.

Radio France Internationale

Ugandan opposition leader Kizza Besigye rushed to hospital after court collapse

In tonight's edition: Ugandan opposition leader Kizza Besigye is in hospital after collapsing in court, raising fresh concerns over the treatment of political opponents. Ghana proposes sweeping constitutional reforms that could reshape its political landscape. Meanwhile, Benin steps up its campaign to recover looted cultural treasures and colonial archives from…

France 24

Masked performers fill Porto-Novo streets in Benin festival

Thousands gather in Porto-Novo for Benin's Mask Festival, celebrating ancestral traditions with colourful costumes, dances and masks.

Euronews

Gagan Gupta, man on a mission to industrialise Africa

Gagan Gupta is industrializing Africa through his Arise holding company. He focuses on processing local resources and creating skilled jobs. Benin is entering the textile industry, exporting garments to international brands. Arise IIP has secured significant investment and is expanding its operations. Gupta believes Africa's industrial transformation is just beginning.

The Economic Times

Hunger in northern Nigeria reaches worst levels in nearly a decade, WFP says

More than 17 million people across nine conflict-hit states in northern Nigeria face severe hunger, the UN's food agency (WFP) has said, warning that violence and funding ‌cuts are driving food insecurity to its worst level in nearly a decade. Stripped of their livelihoods, some people are fleeing across the…

Radio France Internationale

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Radio France Internationale

Severe flooding leaves a trail of death and destruction in West Africa

Severe floods have hit Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Benin, Togo and Nigeria this week. At least 13 people have been killed in recent days in Ghana and five in Togo, while 59 have died in Côte d’Ivoire since the rainy season began in mid-May.

The Guardian - UK

Côte d’Ivoire floods kill 59 as west Africa endures torrential rains

Authorities say rainy season getting deadlier, with Ghana reporting 13 dead and floods hitting Benin, Togo and Nigeria

Euronews

Switzerland returns 18 looted Benin Bronzes to Nigeria

Three Swiss museums have returned 18 Benin Bronzes to Nigeria, a new step in the African's country decades-long struggle to repatriate its looted cultural heritage.

Radio France Internationale

Africa's finest: Bafana Bafana return to the World Cup chasing a first knockout stage

South Africa enter the first 48-team World Cup as Africa's 11th-ranked side in the Fifa standings. In the first instalment of a nine-part series on African squads at the 2026 tournament in the United States, Mexico and Canada, RFI looks at a nation making its fourth appearance at the finals.

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Radio France Internationale

Wadagni wastes no time forming new Benin government after landslide win

After winning Benin’s presidential election by a landslide, Romuald Wadagni unveiled a new, 24-member government just hours after his inauguration on Sunday.

The Conversation

Benin election: Wadagni’s landslide win raises questions about his legitimacy

Romuald Wadagni won the 2026 presidential election in Benin with over 94% of the vote. Wadagni, 50, is a technocrat who became an influential finance minister under Patrice Talon from 2016 until his election.

The Independent UK

Activist Kemi Seba arrested in South Africa, faces extradition to Benin

Pan-African and pro-Russian activist Kemi Seba has been arrested in South Africa

Radio France Internationale

French lawmakers green light bill to facilitate return of looted artefacts

France’s lower house has overwhelmingly approved a bill to ease the return of artworks and artefacts looted during the colonial era, paving the way to address restitution requests from countries including Mali, Algeria and Benin.

The Guardian - UK

‘Without them there is no life’: the race to understand the mysterious world of Africa’s fungi

Amid growing evidence of fungi’s key role in ecosystems and storing carbon, African scientists are championing the need to preserve ‘funga’ as much as flora and fauna

Radio France Internationale

Presidential favourite Wadagni elected in Benin with over 94 percent of votes

Benin presidential election favourite Romuald Wadagni swept to victory in the country's polls, according to provisional results, securing at least 94 percent of votes.

Radio France Internationale

Benin votes for new president amid 'severe restrictions' on civil liberties

Benin's election this Sunday will decide who takes over from President Patrice Talon after a decade in power. With only two candidates running and authorities clamping down on critics, the prospects for change are limited.

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