Benin

Country Benin
Capital Porto-Novo
Continent Africa
Currency West African CFA franc(XOF)
Languages French, Fon & Yoruba

Information

Introduction

Present day Benin was the site of Dahomey, a prominent West African kingdom that rose in the 15th century. The territory became a French Colony in 1872 and achieved independence on 1 August 1960, as the Republic of Benin. A succession of military governments ended in 1972 with the rise to power of Mathieu KEREKOU and the establishment of a government based on Marxist-Leninist principles. A move to representative government began in 1989. Two years later, free elections ushered in former Prime Minister Nicephore SOGLO as president, marking the first successful transfer of power in Africa from a dictatorship to a democracy. KEREKOU was returned to power by elections held in 1996 and 2001, though some irregularities were alleged. KEREKOU stepped down at the end of his second term in 2006 and was succeeded by Thomas YAYI Boni, a political outsider and independent. YAYI has begun a high profile fight against corruption and has strongly promoted accelerating Benin's economic growth.

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References

Benin - Wikipedia
Benin - CIA World Fact Book
Benin - BBC
Benin - Timeline - BBC

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54 soldiers killed in suspected Jihadist attack in Benin - France 2454 soldiers killed in suspected Jihadist attack in Benin  France 24

Benin admits that 54 soldiers killed in border attack by Jnim - BBCBenin admits that 54 soldiers killed in border attack by Jnim  BBC

Institute for the Study of War - Institute for the Study of WarInstitute for the Study of War  Institute for the Study of War

Al Qaeda affiliate says it killed 70 soldiers in Benin, SITE reports - ReutersAl Qaeda affiliate says it killed 70 soldiers in Benin, SITE reports  Reuters

Deutsche Bank provides 507 million euro loan to the Republic of Benin - Deutsche BankDeutsche Bank provides 507 million euro loan to the Republic of Benin  Deutsche Bank

Suspected Jihadists Kill 8 Soldiers in Benin - The Defense PostSuspected Jihadists Kill 8 Soldiers in Benin  The Defense Post

MFA Boston to return Benin Bronzes to wealthy donor, close gallery - The Art NewspaperMFA Boston to return Benin Bronzes to wealthy donor, close gallery  The Art Newspaper

MFA to close Benin Kingdom Gallery - WGBHMFA to close Benin Kingdom Gallery  WGBH

Seventy soldiers killed in Benin as Qaeda expands activity beyond Sahel - The Arab WeeklySeventy soldiers killed in Benin as Qaeda expands activity beyond Sahel  The Arab Weekly

Al Qaeda affiliate says it killed 70 soldiers in Benin: Reports - The Indian ExpressAl Qaeda affiliate says it killed 70 soldiers in Benin: Reports  The Indian Express

Islamic militants kill at least 54 soldiers in northern Benin, government says - Euronews.comIslamic militants kill at least 54 soldiers in northern Benin, government says  Euronews.com

Museum’s Benin Bronzes Are Reclaimed by Wealthy Collector - The New York TimesMuseum’s Benin Bronzes Are Reclaimed by Wealthy Collector  The New York Times

Armed attack kills over 50 soldiers in Benin - TRT GlobalArmed attack kills over 50 soldiers in Benin  TRT Global

A World Bank Guarantee Helps Benin Create Space for Development Spending - World Bank BlogsA World Bank Guarantee Helps Benin Create Space for Development Spending  World Bank Blogs

Benin’s tension with Niger, Burkina Faso opens door for terrorists - Arab News PKBenin’s tension with Niger, Burkina Faso opens door for terrorists  Arab News PK

??Kazakhstan and Benin Mark Diplomatic Milestone with First-Ever Foreign Ministerial Visit - The Astana Times??Kazakhstan and Benin Mark Diplomatic Milestone with First-Ever Foreign Ministerial Visit  The Astana Times

Al-Qaeda-linked jihadist group claims deadly Benin attack - Times of IndiaAl-Qaeda-linked jihadist group claims deadly Benin attack  Times of India

Benin says Al Qaeda affiliate attack killed 54 soldiers last week - ReutersBenin says Al Qaeda affiliate attack killed 54 soldiers last week  Reuters

West African bloc condemns 'barbaric' attack on Benin army posts - TRT GlobalWest African bloc condemns 'barbaric' attack on Benin army posts  TRT Global

Benin Tensions With Burkina, Niger Open Door For Jihadists - Barron'sBenin Tensions With Burkina, Niger Open Door For Jihadists  Barron's

GBH Daily: MFA will send Benin bronzes back - WGBHGBH Daily: MFA will send Benin bronzes back  WGBH

MFA will shutter gallery of Benin bronze sculptures - WBURMFA will shutter gallery of Benin bronze sculptures  WBUR

Benin: An African Pioneer - International Monetary FundBenin: An African Pioneer  International Monetary Fund

Militant attack kills 6 Benin soldiers, army spokesperson says - VOA - Voice of America English NewsMilitant attack kills 6 Benin soldiers, army spokesperson says  VOA - Voice of America English News

Benin attack: Army suffers heavy losses in Niger - Burkina Faso border raid - BBCBenin attack: Army suffers heavy losses in Niger - Burkina Faso border raid  BBC

Tensions with Neighbours Expose Benin Republic to Terrorist Risk - News Central TVTensions with Neighbours Expose Benin Republic to Terrorist Risk  News Central TV

Benin - Is the “Revelation” within reach? - AFD - Agence Française de DéveloppementBenin - Is the “Revelation” within reach?  AFD - Agence Française de Développement

MFA Boston to Rescind Promised Gift of Benin Bronzes, Close Dedicated Gallery - ARTnews.comMFA Boston to Rescind Promised Gift of Benin Bronzes, Close Dedicated Gallery  ARTnews.com

Benin: Fifth Review under the Extended Fund Facility and the Extended Credit Facility Arrangements, and the Second Review under the Resilience and Sustainability Facility-Press Release; Staff Report; and Statement by the Executive Director for Benin - International Monetary FundBenin: Fifth Review under the Extended Fund Facility and the Extended Credit Facility Arrangements, and the Second Review under the Resilience and Sustainability Facility-Press Release; Staff Report; and Statement by the Executive Director for Benin  International Monetary Fund

Benin: Catholic missionaries must communicate what they do, so more can be done - Vatican NewsBenin: Catholic missionaries must communicate what they do, so more can be done  Vatican News

Copper Princesses eye historic back-to-back World Cup qualification against Benin – Zambia - Zambia: News Diggers!Copper Princesses eye historic back-to-back World Cup qualification against Benin – Zambia  Zambia: News Diggers!

Community health workers on the frontline against disease in Benin - Gavi, the Vaccine AllianceCommunity health workers on the frontline against disease in Benin  Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance

Promoting equal opportunities and women's empowerment through childcare in Benin - World Bank BlogsPromoting equal opportunities and women's empowerment through childcare in Benin  World Bank Blogs

GSIM Claims Eight Attacks In Mali, Benin, Burkina Faso - MEMRIGSIM Claims Eight Attacks In Mali, Benin, Burkina Faso  MEMRI

10 gunmen, 1 soldier killed in northern Benin attack - VOA - Voice of America English News10 gunmen, 1 soldier killed in northern Benin attack  VOA - Voice of America English News

Benin - General DebateBenin  General Debate

UNESCO supports the sustainable management of the W-Arly-Pendjari Complex: Benin national consultation - UNESCO World Heritage CentreUNESCO supports the sustainable management of the W-Arly-Pendjari Complex: Benin national consultation  UNESCO World Heritage Centre

Dr. Kouamé Jean KONAN, new WHO Representative, presented his letter of appointment to the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Benin - WHO | Regional Office for AfricaDr. Kouamé Jean KONAN, new WHO Representative, presented his letter of appointment to the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Benin  WHO | Regional Office for Africa

Giving birth without dying in Benin - MSFGiving birth without dying in Benin  MSF

Benin says 54 soldiers were killed in an Islamic militant attack last week - WRAL.comBenin says 54 soldiers were killed in an Islamic militant attack last week  WRAL.com

Benin and Togo: Burning less, planting more and combatting climate change one meal at a time — welcome to the ‘Mothers Club’ - IFRCBenin and Togo: Burning less, planting more and combatting climate change one meal at a time — welcome to the ‘Mothers Club’  IFRC

Benin: Selected Issues - International Monetary FundBenin: Selected Issues  International Monetary Fund

Coastal Countries: Benin, Côte d'Ivoire, Ghana, and Togo Child Rights and Humanitarian Dashboard (January - December 2024) - ReliefWebCoastal Countries: Benin, Côte d'Ivoire, Ghana, and Togo Child Rights and Humanitarian Dashboard (January - December 2024)  ReliefWeb

New frontlines: Jihadist expansion is reshaping the Benin, Niger, and Nigeria borderlands - ACLED (Armed Conflict Location and Event Data)New frontlines: Jihadist expansion is reshaping the Benin, Niger, and Nigeria borderlands  ACLED (Armed Conflict Location and Event Data)

Armed with vaccine, families in Benin take the fight to malaria - Gavi, the Vaccine AllianceArmed with vaccine, families in Benin take the fight to malaria  Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance

Benin: Strong growth trajectory is here to stay despite headwinds - CredendoBenin: Strong growth trajectory is here to stay despite headwinds  Credendo

Islamic militants kill at least 54 soldiers in northern Benin, government says - MSNIslamic militants kill at least 54 soldiers in northern Benin, government says  MSN

The people of Benin intensify anti-French protests in the wake of a terror attack - Peoples DispatchThe people of Benin intensify anti-French protests in the wake of a terror attack  Peoples Dispatch

2024 News items - Benin hosts steering committee meeting of WTO-FIFA “Partenariat pour le Coton” initiative - World Trade Organization2024 News items - Benin hosts steering committee meeting of WTO-FIFA “Partenariat pour le Coton” initiative  World Trade Organization

Benin VAT on B2C digital services update - VATCalcBenin VAT on B2C digital services update  VATCalc

Benin - Drone training for the Police - EEASBenin - Drone training for the Police  EEAS

Al Qaeda affiliate says it killed 70 soldiers in Benin, SITE reports - Daily TimesAl Qaeda affiliate says it killed 70 soldiers in Benin, SITE reports  Daily Times

Bronze-casting in Benin City - MonocleBronze-casting in Benin City  Monocle

Türkiye condemns deadly terror attack in Benin, offers condolences to victims - Türkiye TodayTürkiye condemns deadly terror attack in Benin, offers condolences to victims  Türkiye Today

WHO's Investment Round - Benin impact story - World Health Organization (WHO)WHO's Investment Round - Benin impact story  World Health Organization (WHO)

iRAP MCC Partnership targets safer roads in Benin - iRAP - International Road Assessment ProgrammeiRAP MCC Partnership targets safer roads in Benin  iRAP - International Road Assessment Programme

Cooperation between IBAN and the Supreme Audit Institution of Benin: International cooperation in action, in pursuit of transparency and good governance - NATO - HomepageCooperation between IBAN and the Supreme Audit Institution of Benin: International cooperation in action, in pursuit of transparency and good governance  NATO - Homepage

Jihadist attack in Benin left 54 dead: government - The News InternationalJihadist attack in Benin left 54 dead: government  The News International

Benin Unveils Ambitious Climate Action Framework at COP29 to Drive Green Transition and Sustainable Development - African Development Bank GroupBenin Unveils Ambitious Climate Action Framework at COP29 to Drive Green Transition and Sustainable Development  African Development Bank Group

ECOWAS ta yi kakkausar suka dangane da harin da ya kashe soji 54 a Benin - RFIECOWAS ta yi kakkausar suka dangane da harin da ya kashe soji 54 a Benin  RFI

Priests in Benin encouraged to promote a Church that is self-sustaining - Vatican NewsPriests in Benin encouraged to promote a Church that is self-sustaining  Vatican News

Africa’s U-17 women enter final battle for World Cup places - Confédération Africaine de FootballAfrica’s U-17 women enter final battle for World Cup places  Confédération Africaine de Football

The Benin Model: China’s Africa Strategy in Action - Geopolitical MonitorThe Benin Model: China’s Africa Strategy in Action  Geopolitical Monitor

2024 News items - Benin and Sierra Leone formally accept Fisheries Subsidies Agreement, bringing tally to 80 - World Trade Organization2024 News items - Benin and Sierra Leone formally accept Fisheries Subsidies Agreement, bringing tally to 80  World Trade Organization

Türkiye condemns terrorist attack in Benin that killed 54 soldiers - Yeni SafakTürkiye condemns terrorist attack in Benin that killed 54 soldiers  Yeni Safak

Benin - IFADBenin  IFAD

Benin Bronzes: Netherlands to return stolen Benin statues to Nigeria - BBCBenin Bronzes: Netherlands to return stolen Benin statues to Nigeria  BBC

Benin: A win-win partnership for the inclusion of young people with little or no education - World BankBenin: A win-win partnership for the inclusion of young people with little or no education  World Bank

Benin invests in rice, cashew, pineapple and garden products to strengthen its resilience - Food and Agriculture OrganizationBenin invests in rice, cashew, pineapple and garden products to strengthen its resilience  Food and Agriculture Organization

Benin - Flood in Lalo DREF Operation (MDRBJ019) - ReliefWebBenin - Flood in Lalo DREF Operation (MDRBJ019)  ReliefWeb

Reflections from France, Benin, and Mali on Budgeting Reform, Evidence Use, and Institutional Practice - ODI: Think changeReflections from France, Benin, and Mali on Budgeting Reform, Evidence Use, and Institutional Practice  ODI: Think change

In an extraordinary move, MFA to return prized African art to wealthy donor and close gallery - The Boston GlobeIn an extraordinary move, MFA to return prized African art to wealthy donor and close gallery  The Boston Globe

Boston’s MFA had been working on transferring their Benin Br... - Kottke.orgBoston’s MFA had been working on transferring their Benin Br...  Kottke.org

Webinar | Emerging frontlines: How Jihadist expansion is reshaping Benin, Niger, and Nigeria - ACLED (Armed Conflict Location and Event Data)Webinar | Emerging frontlines: How Jihadist expansion is reshaping Benin, Niger, and Nigeria  ACLED (Armed Conflict Location and Event Data)

Chipasula Brace Fires Copper Princesses Past Benin in U17 World Cup Qualifier - Africa Top SportsChipasula Brace Fires Copper Princesses Past Benin in U17 World Cup Qualifier  Africa Top Sports

Benin: African Development Bank invests EUR 80 million to modernize and extend the Autonomous Port of Cotonou - African Development Bank GroupBenin: African Development Bank invests EUR 80 million to modernize and extend the Autonomous Port of Cotonou  African Development Bank Group

54 soldiers killed in suspected Jihadist attack in Benin - MSN54 soldiers killed in suspected Jihadist attack in Benin  MSN

Restitution, wrangling and renewal in Benin - Financial TimesRestitution, wrangling and renewal in Benin  Financial Times

ACAPS Briefing Note: Benin - Conflict in Alibori and Atacora (07 February 2025) - ReliefWebACAPS Briefing Note: Benin - Conflict in Alibori and Atacora (07 February 2025)  ReliefWeb

Improving access to healthcare for people in Benin - MSFImproving access to healthcare for people in Benin  MSF

West African bloc slams ‘barbaric’ Benin jihadist attack - Jamaica ObserverWest African bloc slams ‘barbaric’ Benin jihadist attack  Jamaica Observer

Fifty four soldiers killed in armed attack in northern Benin - ????? ????? ???????Fifty four soldiers killed in armed attack in northern Benin  ????? ????? ???????

Willy Mignon: Benin's era-defining musician dies aged 39 - BBCWilly Mignon: Benin's era-defining musician dies aged 39  BBC

Benin: RSF condemns the presidential interference undermining public television's editorial independence - Reporters sans frontièresBenin: RSF condemns the presidential interference undermining public television's editorial independence  Reporters sans frontières

EXCLUSIVE: New Terrorist Group Mahmuda Planning Escape To Benin Republic Through Kwara Border Communities –Security Source - Sahara ReportersEXCLUSIVE: New Terrorist Group Mahmuda Planning Escape To Benin Republic Through Kwara Border Communities –Security Source  Sahara Reporters

Benin seeks home-grown cotton 'revolution' - France 24Benin seeks home-grown cotton 'revolution'  France 24

Nigeria's museum agrees with royal ruler on custody of Benin Bronzes - ReutersNigeria's museum agrees with royal ruler on custody of Benin Bronzes  Reuters

ASFC 2025: Ghana U15 girls secure semifinal spot with victory over Benin - 3NewsASFC 2025: Ghana U15 girls secure semifinal spot with victory over Benin  3News

Benin: some one million people to benefit from loan of EUR 118 million from the African Development Bank and Africa Growing Together Fund to supply more drinking water - African Development Bank GroupBenin: some one million people to benefit from loan of EUR 118 million from the African Development Bank and Africa Growing Together Fund to supply more drinking water  African Development Bank Group

Al Qaeda affiliate says it killed 70 soldiers in Benin, SITE reports - The Jerusalem PostAl Qaeda affiliate says it killed 70 soldiers in Benin, SITE reports  The Jerusalem Post

Maharashtra Businessman Duped Over Rs 6 Crore in Rice Export Fraud by Indian Agents in Benin - MillenniumPostMaharashtra Businessman Duped Over Rs 6 Crore in Rice Export Fraud by Indian Agents in Benin  MillenniumPost

Benin Case Study | Climate Refugees - Othering & Belonging InstituteBenin Case Study | Climate Refugees  Othering & Belonging Institute

See historic bronzes displayed in MFA’s prized — and now doomed — Benin Kingdom Gallery - The Boston GlobeSee historic bronzes displayed in MFA’s prized — and now doomed — Benin Kingdom Gallery  The Boston Globe

ECOWAS condemns recent terrorist attacks in Benin Republic - The Nation NewspaperECOWAS condemns recent terrorist attacks in Benin Republic  The Nation Newspaper

Benin: Population Movement DREF Operation (MDRBJ020) - ReliefWebBenin: Population Movement DREF Operation (MDRBJ020)  ReliefWeb

Identification System in Benin: Increasing Access to Services - World Bank BlogsIdentification System in Benin: Increasing Access to Services  World Bank Blogs

In Benin, the disappearance of mangroves is threatening human health - Gavi, the Vaccine AllianceIn Benin, the disappearance of mangroves is threatening human health  Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance

African Development Bank 2022-2026 country strategy for Benin sends very positive signals at halfway point - African Development Bank GroupAfrican Development Bank 2022-2026 country strategy for Benin sends very positive signals at halfway point  African Development Bank Group

2 associates of Benin’s president sentenced to 20 years in prison for coup plot - AP News2 associates of Benin’s president sentenced to 20 years in prison for coup plot  AP News

Finding a Pathway to Employment for Young Women in Benin - World Bank BlogsFinding a Pathway to Employment for Young Women in Benin  World Bank Blogs