The Beninese government has authorized the signing of a contract to build three new reception centers for victims of gender-based violence (GBV) in the cities of Parakou,
Allada, and Savalou. This initiative is a critical step in addressing a significant gap in the country’s existing protection protocols, which have lacked sufficient temporary accommodation facilities.
These centers will provide a safe, secure environment for survivors and serve as an essential component of the national support system. The services offered will include a holistic range of assistance, such as psychological support, medical care, legal and judicial aid, and social services. The social support framework is particularly focused on building trust, assessing the urgent needs of victims, and facilitating their referral to appropriate long-term solutions, thereby strengthening mechanisms for both protection and eventual social reintegration.
In addition to this infrastructure project, the government has authorized the organization of several key events in Cotonou, including the 7th Congress of the Benin Head and Neck Medical Society, scheduled for April 23–25, 2026, and the commemoration of International Women’s Day on March 6 and 7, 2026, in Cotonou and Sô-Ava. Furthermore, Benin is preparing to engage in various international forums throughout 2026, ranging from trade and military cooperation meetings in Yaoundé and Brussels to the International Artificial Intelligence Olympiad in Abu Dhabi.
RNK/te/fss/abj/APA