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Benin

The latest news, analysis and opinion on Benin. In-depth analysis, industry insights and expert opinion.

Capital

Porto-Novo

Head of State

President Patrice Talon

Head of Government

Prime Minister Patrice Talon

Statues returned by the Ethnographic Museum of the University of Zurich and Museum Rietberg. Photo: EPA

Africa

Switzerland returns 18 historic Benin Bronzes to Nigeria

The repatriation marks the latest victory in Africa’s push to reclaim priceless artefacts looted by British colonial forces.

30 Jun 2026 - 10:59AM

China-Africa relations

China and Africa’s evolving partnership

27 Jun 2026 - 9:04AM

China-Africa relations

How Benin is on the road to reshaping its cotton industry, with China’s help

21 Jun 2026 - 2:00PM

China-Africa relations

China is transforming historic African slave port into waterfront tourism magnet

Beninese government has contracted Chinese firms to create seaside development linking port to historic slave route and memorial sites.

6 Jun 2026 - 8:00PMvideocam

The “Gate of No Return” memorial arch on Ouidah beach, Benin. The historic port once saw nearly 2 million enslaved Africans marched along the 2km “Slave Route” from the auction plaza to the beach during the transatlantic slave trade. Photo: Shutterstock

China-Africa relations

How China will play a major role in Benin’s economic growth as a new era begins

African nation’s new president is banking on Chinese investment to help fix its infrastructure gap with large-scale construction projects.

31 May 2026 - 4:15PM

Africa

Vigilantes in Nigeria kill herders amid jihadist tensions, kidnapping gangs

Central and northwestern Nigeria have for years been terrorised by cattle rustling and kidnapping-for-ransom gangs working with local jihadists.

3 May 2026 - 9:06PM

Africa

Benin election favours continuity amid al-Qaeda attacks, poverty

Finance Minister Romuald Wadagni has overseen a decade of growth in the West African nation despite jihadist attacks and extreme poverty.

12 Apr 2026 - 5:35PM

Romuald Wadagni, Benin’s finance minister and the ruling party candidate for the presidential election, waves to supporters during a campaign rally ahead of the presidential election, in Cotonou, Benin, on April Friday. Photo: Reuters

Crime

France convicts Chinese captain of oil tanker linked to Russian shadow fleet

Chen Zhangjie, who is currently at sea, was jailed for a year in absentia. The Borocay was thought to be transporting Russian oil to India.

31 Mar 2026 - 2:08AM

China-Africa relations

Why Beijing’s US$4.5 billion Niger-Benin oil pipeline is under fire from rebels

Chinese nationals warned to avoid high-risk areas after infrastructure becomes a primary target for rebels seeking to halt military junta.

27 Feb 2026 - 6:30PMvideocam

Africa

Islamic State claims bold attack on Niger’s strategic airport hub

Islamic State militants claim a coordinated raid on Niamey’s airport, targeting a strategic hub hosting uranium and regional military bases.

31 Jan 2026 - 12:32AM

The Niamey airport in Niger, where damage is visible on the roofs of hangars on Thursday. Photo: 2026 Planet Labs PBC/AFP

Africa

Niger’s junta accuses foreign leaders of sponsoring airport attack

Niger’s military ruler vows retaliation after gunmen attack an air force base before being repelled by Russian fighters.

30 Jan 2026 - 2:29PM

A satellite image shows roadblocks at the entrance of Diori Hamani International Airport. Photo: Vantor via Reuters

China-Africa relations

How will China respond to latest West Africa coup as economic footprint expands?

Ouster of Guinea-Bissau leader Umaro Sissoco Embalo has sparked political instability fears, raising stakes for Chinese economic interests.

14 Dec 2025 - 6:35PMvideocam

China-Africa relations

‘Concrete symbols’: China-built Ecowas HQ latest infrastructure gift to Africa

Beijing’s strategy to project influence through gifting prestigious presidential palaces and parliamentary buildings labelled ‘unique’.

13 Dec 2025 - 5:53PMvideocam

Africa

Benin hunts leader behind short-lived coup that left casualties on both sides

Authorities in the west African country confirm arrests were made and hostages released, but apparent coup leader remained at large.

9 Dec 2025 - 3:47PM

Soldiers patrol in Cotonou, Benin, after the country’s armed forces thwarted an attempted coup against the government. Photo: Reuters

Africa

Benin president says coup bid thwarted as neighbour Nigeria intervenes

Coup attempt in Benin was the latest in a string of military takeovers and attempted takeovers that have rocked West Africa.

8 Dec 2025 - 4:07PM

Soldiers patrol in front of the headquarters of Benin’s radio and television station after the country’s armed forces thwarted the attempted coup. Photo: Reuters

China-Africa relations

China key to solving Niger-Benin tensions – so oil pipeline can start pumping

China has invested billions in Niger’s oil industry. Now it must solve a political spat if it wants to see any money back.

13 Jul 2024 - 1:00PMvideocam