54 soldiers were reportedly killed in the terrorist attack in northern Benin on 17 April; Beninese government spokesman Houngbedji denied rumors of over a hundred deaths spread on social networks, according to Benin's official media La Nation

The Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II, has honoured notable citizens with chieftaincy titles to strengthen traditional governance, encourage dedication, commitment, service to the community - stated Osaigbovo Iguobaro, Chief Press Secretary to the Oba of Benin

Pendjari National Park, a main biodiversity conservation area in west Africa and a World Heritage Site has seen an escalating presence of non-state armed groups: its geography facilitates movements, hiding, stock up on resources, gold and poached wildlife

A week-long workshop "Catholic Professionals and Commitment to Christian Leadership, Peace, Good Governance, and the Protection of Life" was held in Cotonou with fifty professionals from various sectors of social life from five African countries

A massive, door-to-door information campaign to fight onchocerciasis - the disease also known as river blindness - has been launched in Benin; the parasitic infection is caused by the roundworm Onchocerca volvulus, with damages compromising eyesight