Benin

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

2nd Benin CyberDay took place in Cotonou within Digital Week events emphasizing the need to raise awareness among all digital stakeholders about cybersecurity issues and provide discussion among professionals from the public and private sectors

President Djangoun, a Beninese style icon is setting standards for fashionistas around the continent; his viral videos count over 10 million views and fans check follow his wildly creative, award-winning, handmade outfits

The Productive Social Safety Nets "Gbessoke" program, designed to help the most vulnerable achieve independence, marks a turning point in Benin's solidarity policy; it was official launched in Cotonou earlier this week

A cross-border public health campaign was launched with Togo at Hilla-Condji and Sanvee-Condji border crossings; focused on reproduction, family planning, HIV/AIDS prevention, it gives healthcare access to remote communities where services are limited

Celebrations for the International Bamboo Day, set by the UN for 18 September, have been organized by Benin Forestry administration and the NGO Africa Bambou until today to highlight the species' importance for conservation and local economy

Potential beneficiaries of loans for farmers, or 'credit agricole', a key tool, are calling on authorities to streamline the process: some producers manage to obtain credit from decentralized financial systems, others are stuck with collateral as obstacle

American filmmaker Spike Lee and wife, producer and author Tonya Lewis Lee, have been appointed ambassadors for African-Americans in the US; their role aims to strengthen ties, promote cultural tourism and support reconnection of diaspora to their roots

American singer Ciara Princess Wilson has officially acquired Beninese nationality, becoming one of the first prominent figures to benefit from a groundbreaking citizenship program launched aimed at strengthening ties with the African diaspora

Producers, directors and other film industry professionals are setting a link between Los Angeles and Cotonou, aiming to develop Beninese cinema and hoping to make it essential across the African continent

A mobile classroom, the Blobus, is traveling across Benin upon private initiative to bring screens into school programs and promote digital education and access to technology, still a luxury for many pupils