The Latest Breaking News from Cotonou

Economic growth and democratic decline: the ‘cotton king’ who reshaped Benin

Patrice Talon has transformed the west African country’s economy and infrastructure at the expense of political freedom

The Guardian - UK · Sep 30

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 · Sep 17

Benin heads to polls after failed coup shakes political landscape

Benin votes on Sunday in legislative and local elections that come just over a month after an attempted coup shook the commercial capital Cotonou. The vote follows weeks of campaigning and comes ahead of a presidential election in April.

Radio France Internationale · Jan 10

Benin lifts suspension of imported goods transiting to Niger

Benin has lifted its suspension of imported goods transiting to Niger through the port of Cotonou in a move that follows five months of sanctions on the coup-hit country.

Radio France Internationale · Dec 28, 2023

Nigerian court rejects opposition challenge to Tinubu's election win

In tonight's edition: A Nigerian court has dismissed a major opposition petition to overturn President Bola Tinubu's victory in February's election. Also, the first ever Africa climate change conference comes to an end with a declaration from African leaders calling for new global taxes to help the continent combat climate…

France 24 · Sep 6, 2023

Cutting its cloth: can a new industrial revolution transform Benin’s economy?

The west African country, a leading cotton producer, is moving into processing finished goods, seen as a route to prosperity

The Guardian - UK · Mar 21, 2023

Pollution revolution: can electric motorbikes help clean up Benin’s air?

Polluted air is the second biggest killer in Africa; for moto-taxi drivers the risk from exhaust fumes is high. New bikes could be part of the solution – if they are affordable

The Guardian - UK · Feb 10, 2023

Voodoo dances and rituals wow tourists at Benin festival

On Benin's national voodoo holiday, performers dressed as guardians of the night swirled in costumes resembling technicolour haystacks, delighting worshippers and tourists alike.

Reuters · Jan 11, 2023

The Woman King is more than an action movie – it shines a light on the women warriors of Benin

The Woman King is a big-budget Hollywood movie that has been anticipated since 2018, when US star Viola Davis was announced as the lead in the story of the “amazons” of Dahomey. Rising South African star Thuso Mbedu also takes a key role in the film, which has premiered at…

The Conversation · Sep 15, 2022

Benin celebrates return of royal treasures after 130 years

The much-celebrated return of 26 treasures from the Kingdom of Dahomey has culminated in a month-long celebration of heritage and art at the Museum of the Marina in Cotonou, Benin, attracting large crowds.

Radio France Internationale · Apr 30, 2022