Benin

Over 500 bottles of suspected counterfeit alcoholic beverages were seized in Lokossa, Mono department; a shopkeeper suspected of selling counterfeit products was taken into custody according to information released by the Republican Police

280 kilograms of counterfeit pharmaceutical products were seized in a house in Kandévié Amoussa, in the 4th arrondissement of Porto-Novo; the police operation took place following information indicating illegal drug sales activity

Closed since 2023, the Benin-Niger border could reopen in the coming weeks; a committee of experts has been working on the modalities for the resumption of a vital trade route between the Gulf of Guinea and the Sahel

A hurricane Struck southeastern Benin; the mayor of Ouinhi toured the hardest-hit villages to assess the damage and offer support; winds left roofs torn off and damaged infrastructure and authorities reassured school year will end as scheduled

"Women, Empowerment, and Health in Benin: Revelations in Plural", a new book that pays tribute to Beninise women in civic life and business, calling for continued reforms for more power, was launched with authorities, partners, and committed citizens

The General Directorate of the National Market Management Agency ANaGeM in a press conference detailed the reform of Benin's market management system, focusing on the relocation of the Dantokpa market, part of a broader effort to modernize infrastructure

21-year-old Nathan Tchibozo, Benin's first-ever Winter Olympic athlete, competed in the Men's Giant Slalom at the Stelvio Ski Centre in Bormio, Italy, finishing 48th out of 71 starters with a combined time of 2:43.65 on Saturday 14 February

As part of the Vodun Days 2026 event in Ouidah, in Maro Square paintings of the Egungun are on display, depicting them dancing: the Vodun Days Artistic Direction has chosen to go beyond live performance adding an exhibition of paintings of the Egungun

Radio Benin has launched new program "Sage comme Ifa" (Wise as Ifa), an immersive radio drama at the crossroads of culture, philosophy, and sound art; it is produced by BG Communication and funded by the Ministry of Digital Affairs and Digitalization

Constitutional reform has been promulgated after its validation by Benin’s Constitutional Court; the revision extends presidential term from 5 to 7 years and establishes a bicameral system by creating a Senate

Press reports that on 7 December soldiers led by special forces commander Pascal Tigri declared it had ousted President Talon after storming the national broadcaster; the coup attempt was foiled by loyalists, Nigeria and French intelligence

During the ongoing first edition of the Cotonou Comedy Festival, Roukiata Ouédraogo - actress, novelist, and columnist - led a 2-day masterclass with a roundtable bringing together women artists, stakeholders and enthusiasts of public speaking