Location: Benin Event: Heightened Middle East Tensions There is heightened tension in the Middle East that may result in security risks to U.S. citizens abroad. The Embassy will continue to review the security situation and will provide additional information as needed. Actions to Take: Keep a low profile; Be aware of your surroundings; Stay alert ...
Read More» By U.S. Embassy Cotonou | 8 January, 2020 | Topics: Alert
December 17, 2019 Event: Holidays in Benin provide increased risk for criminal activity. There is a heightened risk of armed robbery, assault, and kidnapping. Travelers to Benin are perceived to have gifts or large amounts of cash. Actions to Take: Exercise additional vigilance throughout the holiday season and at holiday events. Review your personal security ...
Read More» By U.S. Embassy Cotonou | 18 December, 2019 | Topics: Alert
U.S. Embassy Cotonou General Services Office (GSO) will dispose of U.S. Government property at an auction open to the general public on Saturday, November 23, 2019, from 08:00-17:00 at the Embassy service entrance near INFOSEC. Items to be auctioned include: office and household furniture, office equipment, computer parts, appliances, used vehicles, and other assorted ...
Read More» By U.S. Embassy Cotonou | 20 November, 2019 | Topics: Commercial Opportunities | Tags: Auction, Benin, Cotonou, US Embassy
On September 11, members of the U.S.S.F received their certificates after six weeks of intensive training provided by the US Marines. Ambassador Patricia Mahoney and the Director General of the Republican Police Soumaïla Yaya both attended the ceremony. The program, made possible through the collaboration between the Government of Benin and the U.S. Embassy, strengthens border ...
Read More» By U.S. Embassy Cotonou | 17 September, 2019 | Topics: News | Tags: Program
Location: Northwestern Benin Event: There are reports of possible threats to local government facilities in the department of Atakora, in northwestern Benin, over the next few days. Actions to Take: Avoid large crowds Monitor local media for updates Review your personal security plans Carry a fully charged cellphone and emergency numbers Assistance:
S. Embassy Cotonou, Benin +(229) 21-30-75-00
ConsularCotonou@state.gov State ...
Read More» By U.S. Embassy Cotonou | 31 July, 2019 | Topics: Alert
COTONOU-June 27 – U.S. Embassy Cotonou marked the 243rd anniversary of the United States’ independence. The celebration’s theme was space exploration to mark the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 moon landing on July 20, 1969. U.S. Ambassador to Benin, Patricia Mahoney, said both events represent the history of human race, of all the peoples ...
Read More» By U.S. Embassy Cotonou | 9 July, 2019 | Topics: News, Press Releases
The U.S. Ambassador to Benin Patricia Mahoney inaugurated new facilities at the General High School of Kpakpa-Agbagoulè, in the city of Dassa-Zoumé, on June 20, 2019. This building, funded by the U.S. Department of Defense, is composed of two classrooms, one office, eight latrines, and a rainwater collection system for hand washing. The building’s construction ...
Read More» By U.S. Embassy Cotonou | 27 June, 2019 | Topics: News, Press Releases | Tags: Inauguration, Program
Location: Republic of Benin and its land borders Event: Benin’s land border with Togo will be closed for elections in the Republic of Togo on Sunday June 30, 2019. Please plan your travel accordingly. Actions to Take: Monitor local media for updates. Be aware of your surroundings. Do not plan overland travel to Togo. Assistance: ...
Read More» By U.S. Embassy Cotonou | 26 June, 2019 | Topics: Alert
Ambassador Mahoney visited the University of Abomey-Calavi on June 13, 2019. She was accompanied by Public Affairs Officer Christopher Helmkamp. During this visit, Rector Maxime da Cruz and his team welcomed the diplomats to the campus and discussed the excellent cooperation that exits between the U.S. Embassy and the university. The English Club Summit and ...
Read More» By U.S. Embassy Cotonou | 14 June, 2019 | Topics: Art & Culture, Education, News
Location: Tchaourou (about 50 km south of Parakou) Event: Protests in Tchaourou over several days have resulted in intermittent blocking of trafficking along the Cotonou-Malanville road and reports of some violent encounters and significant security force presence in the area. Consider alternate routes when traveling between Dassa and Parakou. Actions to Take: Avoid the area. ...
Read More» By U.S. Embassy Cotonou | 13 June, 2019 | Topics: Alert
Toni Blackman and Polaryss, two U.S. rappers, toured in Benin for two weeks as part of a program known as « Rhyme like a Beninese Girl ». During this tour organized by U.S. Embassy Cotonou, the two artists hosted masterclasses with local rap musicians, music students, as well as professional musicians. These masterclasses took place at ...
Read More» By U.S. Embassy Cotonou | 12 June, 2019 | Topics: News, Press Releases | Tags: Hip Hop, music, Program
From June 4-June 6, U.S. Embassy Cotonou held a symposium on the theme “Combating border and transnational crime between Benin, Togo, Burkina Faso and Nigeria: Lessons learned from the American-Mexican border.” About 30 investigators and prosecutors from Benin, Togo, Burkina-Faso and Nigeria attended the training given by experts from the Drug Enforcement Agency, the U.S. ...
Read More» By U.S. Embassy Cotonou | 5 June, 2019 | Topics: News, Press Releases | Tags: Program
Location: Park Pendjari, Northern Benin Event: On May 1, two Western tourists and their guide disappeared in Park Pendjari, in northern Benin. Actions to Take: Avoid the park complex, to include Parks Pendjari and W and adjacent hunting zones. Assistance:
U.S. Embassy Cotonou, Benin +(229) 21-30-75-00
ConsularCotonou@state.gov State Department – Consular Affairs 888-407-4747 or 202-501-4444
Benin Country Information Enroll in
Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive security updates Follow ...
Read More» By U.S. Embassy Cotonou | 7 May, 2019 | Topics: Alert
May 2, 2019 Location: Cotonou, Cadjehoun and Haie Vive neighborhoods Event: Civil disturbances reported in Cadjehoun and Haie Vive, with numerous roads blocked or impassible. Avoid the area and minimize movement in nearby areas of Cotonou. Similar disturbances could occur without warning through the weekend. Actions to Take: Avoid the area Avoid crowds and demonstrations Monitor local ...
Read More» By U.S. Embassy Cotonou | 2 May, 2019 | Topics: Alert
2nd Security Alert – U. S. Embassy Cotonou, Benin (May 1, 2019) Location: Cotonou Event: Due to continued reports of unrest and blocked street throughout central Cotonou, U.S. citizens are advised to minimize their movements this evening. Continue to monitor local media. Actions to Take: Remain at home or in a safe place Avoid crowds and demonstrations Be aware of your surroundings Keep ...
Read More» By U.S. Embassy Cotonou | 1 May, 2019 | Topics: Alert
Location: Cotonou, Haie Vive Event: Disturbances reported near Haie Vive, with roads blocked from Place de Martyrs to the Vedeko roundabout. U.S. citizens are advised to avoid the area, remain vigilant, and monitor local media. Actions to Take: Avoid the area Avoid crowds, and demonstrations Be aware of your surroundings Keep a low profile Assistance:
U.S. Embassy Cotonou, Benin +(229) 21-30-75-00
ConsularCotonou@state.gov State ...
Read More» By U.S. Embassy Cotonou | 1 May, 2019 | Topics: Alert
Statement from the U.S. Embassy in Cotonou regarding Benin’s 2019 Legislative Elections April 28 April 29th, 2019 ———————————————— The inability of opposition parties to participate led to legislative elections on April 28 that were neither fully competitive nor inclusive and do not reflect the Benin that we know. We regret that social media platforms and ...
Read More» By U.S. Embassy Cotonou | 29 April, 2019 | Topics: News, Press Releases | Tags: Democracy, Election, Statement
Location: Republic of Benin and its land borders Event: Benin’s land borders may be closed for legislative elections on Sunday, April 28, 2019. Please plan your travel accordingly. Demonstrations may occur throughout the election period. Actions to Take: Monitor local media for updates. Avoid crowds and demonstrations Be aware of your surroundings Keep a low profile Carry ...
Read More» By U.S. Embassy Cotonou | 24 April, 2019 | Topics: Alert
From February 25-March 1, U.S. Embassy Cotonou held a training on election coverage at INFOSEC in Cotonou. About thirty participants from various types of media attended the training given by investigative journalist Daniel Glick. Glick exchanged with participants on various topics including the difference between public relations and journalism, the search for reliable sources, the ...
Read More» By U.S. Embassy Cotonou | 6 March, 2019 | Topics: News, Press Releases | Tags: media, press
The mass of oratory in English was said this Saturday, February 23, 2019 at ISMA Fidjrossè. The contest that has become a tradition in the month of February since 2017 has had its epilogue. The event aims to promote freedom of expression, activism, give voice to young people and encourage the use and promotion of ...
Read More» By U.S. Embassy Cotonou | 27 February, 2019 | Topics: News
Location: Possible Nigerian land border closures February 22-25, 2019 Event: Due to Nigerian presidential elections taking place on Saturday, February 23, Nigerian land border crossings may be closed between Friday, February 22 and Monday, February 25. Please plan your travel accordingly. Actions to Take: Avoid demonstrations and crowds. Monitor local media for breaking events and be ...
Read More» By U.S. Embassy Cotonou | 22 February, 2019 | Topics: Alert
Location: Cotonou, Littoral Event: The Ministry of Health in Benin confirmed one new case of Lassa fever in Cotonou. Lassa fever is a rare but potentially life-threatening viral hemorrhagic disease. Actions to Take: Consult a medical professional if you have been in direct contact with an infected person within the past three weeks and have ...
Read More» By U.S. Embassy Cotonou | 27 December, 2018 | Topics: Alert
The United States Supports Benin’s Peaceful Use of Nuclear Technology ********** U.S. Embassy Cotonou and the Government of Benin organized a workshop on nuclear safeguards last week. The workshop mainly focused on the key-points of nuclear non-proliferation related to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), which Benin signed in 1972. The NPT, whose first goal ...
Read More» By U.S. Embassy Cotonou | 19 December, 2018 | Topics: Press Releases
MCC Board Selects Benin as Eligible to Develop a Concurrent Regional Compact ********** Cotonou, Benin. Dec. 13—The Millennium Challenge Corporation Board of Directors held its quarterly meeting on December 11, 2018 and approved Benin as eligible to develop a concurrent regional compact. Earlier this year, the United States Congress granted MCC the authority to select ...
Read More» By U.S. Embassy Cotonou | 18 December, 2018 | Topics: Press Releases | Tags: Program
Location: Parc W in northeastern Benin. Event: Due to recent security concerns in regions within close proximity to Benin’s northeastern border, U.S. Embassy personnel are prohibited from personal travel to Parc W in northeastern Benin. Actions to Take: Avoid travel to Parc W Be aware of your surroundings Keep a low profile Stay alert in ...
Read More» By U.S. Embassy Cotonou | 17 December, 2018 | Topics: Alert
Location: Department of Borgou, near Parakou Event: The Ministry of Health in Benin confirmed two cases of Lassa fever with other cases suspected. Lassa fever is a rare but potentially life-threatening viral hemorrhagic disease. Actions to Take: · Consult a medical professional if you have been in direct contact with an infected person within the past ...
Read More» By U.S. Embassy Cotonou | 11 December, 2018 | Topics: Alert
The American jazz band the Ari Roland Quartet was in Benin the first week of December 2018 as part of a cultural exchange program of the United States Embassy Cotonou. This quartet of musicians from New York participated in exchange sessions with students and Beninese artists. During their stay, the group performed free concerts, including at the Place du Souvenir on Sunday December 2, 2018, a ...
Read More» By U.S. Embassy Cotonou | 10 December, 2018 | Topics: Art & Culture, News | Tags: music
CDA Laura Hruby visited two schools in Bouka and Derassi on Monday November 19. She saw first hand the results of USDA-CRS Food For Education program. The program aims at increasing school attendance by providing a nourishing meal. The program also educated students, families and community members on good sanitation, food preparation, and stock management ...
Read More» By U.S. Embassy Cotonou | 28 November, 2018 | Topics: News
Ambassador’s Introductory Statement Departure Press Roundtable September 13, 2018, 10am, Embassy MPR (TBC) Thank you very much for joining me here today. I will be leaving Benin shortly and appreciate this opportunity to share with you some of the accomplishments of the U.S. Mission in Benin over the last three years. These accomplishments have ...
Read More» By U.S. Embassy Cotonou | 17 October, 2018 | Topics: News, Press Releases
On September 25, 2013, the U.S. Embassy Chargé in Benin Laura Hruby officially handed over two mobile booths to the recently installed Republican Police. The donation aims to assist the police in serving citizens better by meeting their needs and ensuring security. The endowment comes along with a number of efforts by the U.S. Embassy ...
Read More» By U.S. Embassy Cotonou | 25 September, 2018 | Topics: News, Press Releases
Event: Local media has reported that a march/demonstration will occur on September 13th starting at 8:00 a.m. The intended route will be from the Bourse du Travail building just east of camp Guezo, to Etoile Rouge Circle northeast of Cotonou International Airport. It is possible that 1,000 or more people will take part in this labor union ...
Read More» By U.S. Embassy Cotonou | 12 September, 2018 | Topics: Alert
OUIDAH— September 1st, 2018 : The U.S. Embassy Chargé Laura Hruby, and the Mayor of Ouidah Célestine Adjanonhoun, attended the closing of a girls’ basketball camp at the Regional Institute for Public Health (IRSP) in Ouidah. Known as Special Envoy Basketball Camp, the camp was organized by the U.S. Embassy and NGO OLADE, with the ...
Read More» By U.S. Embassy Cotonou | 6 September, 2018 | Topics: News, Press Releases | Tags: GirlsEmpowerment, SportsDiplomacy
As part of the Disaster Management Preparedness cooperation, the North Dakota National Guard, through the Embassy and US AFRICOM, offered two containers of equipment and materials to Benin’s Fire Brigade. Following a request made by the Ministry of National Defense on December 2016, the Embassy requested the assistance of AFRICOM and the State Partnership Program ...
Read More» By U.S. Embassy Cotonou | 29 August, 2018 | Topics: News
From July 23-28, 2018, the Idriss Déby Itno amphitheater of the University of Abomey-Calavi (UAC) hosted the Democracy Workshops (ADEMO), organized by the Benin Yali Alumni Association, in collaboration with U.S. Embassy Cotonou. As part of the workshops, about 1,000 Beninese young leaders received training on the functioning of the branches of central and local ...
Read More» By U.S. Embassy Cotonou | 6 August, 2018 | Topics: News
15 journalists from print, radio, and television media took part in a training on investigative journalism from July 2-6 in Cotonou. The training was initiated by the Public Affairs Section of the U.S. Embassy in Cotonou. Daniel Glick, the trainer and journalist, discussed with Beninese journalists to the concept of investigative journalism, the rights and ...
Read More» By U.S. Embassy Cotonou | 10 July, 2018 | Topics: Art & Culture, News
U.S. Embassy Reiterates Commitment to Support Benin in Eradicating Trafficking in Persons ********** The U.S. Department of State has removed Benin from the watch list on the 2018 annual Trafficking in Persons Report. However, Benin remains ranked as a Tier 2 country, which indicates that despite its efforts, the West African country has yet to ...
Read More» By U.S. Embassy Cotonou | 29 June, 2018 | Topics: News, Press Releases, Reports
U.S. Embassy COTONOU Benin: Disposition of Remains Report May 30, 2018 The following information is submitted in accordance with referenced requirements to provide current data on Beninese law governing and costs of the disposition of remains. The local regulations and policies remain the same. Part I. Name of Country Benin Part II. U.S. ...
Read More» By U.S. Embassy Cotonou | 5 June, 2018 | Topics: Exclude, U.S. Citizen Services
Angelle Kwemo, CEO of Rimsom Strategies, a firm that provides international trade advisory and strategic advice to multidimensional entities, gave her first training session to Beninese women entrepreneurs on April 3 at Obama Center, University of Abomey-Calavi. This training which consisted in sharing strategies with participants to grow their businesses, comes as part of a ...
Read More» By U.S. Embassy Cotonou | 3 April, 2018 | Topics: News
On Saturday, February 24, PAS Cotonou held the second edition of the MLK Slam Poetry Contest, in collaboration with local media institute ‘’L’Institut Superieur des Métiers de l’Audiovisuel’’ (ISMA). Over 100 Beninese submitted expressions of interest, audio files, and videos seeking to compete in either the junior (under 14) or senior (over 14) division. 17 ...
Read More» By U.S. Embassy Cotonou | 28 February, 2018 | Topics: Art & Culture, Education, News | Tags: slam
In 2016, an invasive crop pest called the fall armyworm (FAW) was first confirmed in Africa. Native to the Americas, FAW can feed on 80 different crop species including maize, a staple food consumed by over 300 million African smallholder farm families. The crop pest has since been found in over 30 African countries, posing ...
Read More» By U.S. Embassy Cotonou | 16 February, 2018 | Topics: Events, News
PAS Cotonou organized Benin’s first ever English Clubs Summit, which gathered 132 English club leaders from all over the country for a three-day training and networking program. The program, funded by a grant from Embassy Cotonou, was implemented by the Benin National Teachers of English Association (BNTEA) in partnership with “Titigweti English Club,” the largest ...
Read More» By U.S. Embassy Cotonou | 26 January, 2018 | Topics: English Language Learning, News | Tags: English learning, Program
Location: Atacora and Borgou Regions, Benin Event: The Ministry of Health in Benin reported 10 cases of Lassa fever, a rare but potentially life-threatening viral hemorrhagic disease. Actions to Take: Consult a medical professional if you have been in direct contact with an infected person within the past three weeks and have symptoms of Lassa ...
Read More» By U.S. Embassy Cotonou | 24 January, 2018 | Topics: Alert
As the holiday season approaches, the U.S. Embassy in Cotonou reminds everyone to practice good security habits. Benin has traditionally experienced an increase in crimes of opportunity such as robberies, pick-pocketing, purse snatching, thefts from vehicles, and residential break-ins during the holiday season. The Embassy reminds all U.S. citizens to remain vigilant and use extreme caution ...
Read More» By U.S. Embassy Cotonou | 18 December, 2017 | Topics: Security & Emergency Messages
December 6, 2017 As part of the Department of State’s continuous efforts to provide U.S. citizens traveling abroad with information about safety and security events, we are updating the Worldwide Caution with information on the continuing threat of terrorist actions, political violence, and criminal activity against U.S. citizens and interests abroad. This replaces the Worldwide ...
Read More» By U.S. Embassy Cotonou | 8 December, 2017 | Topics: Security & Emergency Messages
COTONOU – July 18, 2017: The Beninese YALI Alumni Association (BYAA) organized a clean up campaign at the Cotonou Civil Prison, Hubert Koutoukou Maga National University Hospital Center (CNHU-HKM) and at the University of Abomey-Calavi. The purpose of the initiative was to commemorate Mandela Day; celebrated every July 18 in tribute to former South African ...
Read More» By U.S. Embassy Cotonou | 18 July, 2017 | Topics: News, Press Releases
COTONOU- The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and USAID handed over essential equipment for neonatal health to the Minister of Health, Dr Alassane Seidou in a ceremony at the Central Supply of Essential Medicines and Medical Consumables (CAME) in Cotonou on July 17. “It is estimated that 37,000 children under five die each year in ...
Read More» By U.S. Embassy Cotonou | 17 July, 2017 | Topics: News, Press Releases
COTONOU- July 11, 2017: The handbook of procedure of the narcotics cases in Benin is a compendium of good practices in the repression of the offenses related to the narcotics in Benin. This document, which benefited from the technical and financial support of the Embassy of the United States of America, was drafted by Beninese ...
Read More» By U.S. Embassy Cotonou | 11 July, 2017 | Topics: News, Press Releases
Ambassador Lucy Tamlyn and Embassy Cotonou invited members celebrated the 241st anniversary of the Declaration of Independence of the United States of America, by inviting members of the government, heads of civil society, and institutions on Thursday, June 29, 2017. Representative of the government of Benin, Minister of Justice Joseph Djogbenou praised the long standing ...
Read More» By U.S. Embassy Cotonou | 29 June, 2017 | Topics: News
$403 Million USD Millennium Challenge Corporation Benin Agreement Enters into Force, Launching Projects focused on Power Sector ********** COTONOU, BENIN: On June 22, 2017 the Minister in Charge of Planning and Development, Abdouaye Bio Tchané, the official representative of President Patrice Talon, and Ambassador of the United States of America to Benin Lucy Tamlyn presided ...
Read More» By U.S. Embassy Cotonou | 22 June, 2017 | Topics: News, Press Releases
COTONOU-06 March 2017: The Mission to Benin hosted a panel discussion of female members of law enforcement as part of the International Women’s Day on March 8. Active and retired female police officers, gendarmes, and magistrates spoke about their careers and the constraints related to to sexual harassment and discrimination. The panel of personalities included: ...
Read More» By U.S. Embassy Cotonou | 6 March, 2017 | Topics: Ambassador, News, Press Releases
The U.S. Embassy informs U.S. citizens that personal travel for U.S. government employees to Parc W is now permitted. As a reminder, it is mandatory for visitors of Parc W to register at the official points of entry and retain a registered park guide for the duration of their stay. This message supersedes the previous message ...
Read More» By U.S. Embassy Cotonou | 9 February, 2017 | Topics: Security & Emergency Messages
By U.S. Embassy Cotonou | 18 August, 2016 | Topics: Exclude All, Press Releases
If you believe you are the victim of an Internet scam: 1. Do not send money. Unfortunately, any money that you might already have sent will probably not be recoverable. 2. End all communication with the scammer immediately, rather than attempt resolution directly. If you feel threatened, contact your local police at once. Do ...
Read More» By U.S. Embassy Cotonou | 10 August, 2016 | Topics: Messages for U.S. Citizens, U.S. Citizen Services
Advertised government tenders or other business opportunities that may be of interest to the U.S. business community can be found at
http://www.gouv.bj/ , (click on the link “appels d’offre”)
Read More» By U.S. Embassy Cotonou | 10 August, 2016 | Topics: Economic Affairs, U.S. Citizen Services
When a new contest is launched, it will be advertised here. This contest is only open to library members. If you want to be a library member, just fill the form at
http://tinyurl.com/cotonouacc and two weeks later you come to the Embassy to pick your member card. It is simple as that!
Read More» By U.S. Embassy Cotonou | 10 August, 2016 | Topics: Events, News | Tags: Contest, IRC, Library
From Feb. 1-4, with Mission Driven Alumni Funding from ECA’s Alumni Affairs Office, U.S. Embassy Cotonou hosted 35youth from Benin and 15 from Niger for a TechCamp to create a movement using the power of technology to galvanize youth involvement during the upcoming elections in each country. Mission utilized YALI Alumni from five different countries ...
Read More» By U.S. Embassy Cotonou | 9 July, 2016 | Topics: Security & Emergency Messages
On december 3, 2015, before a crowd of nearly 1,000 students, Mission’s Public Affairs Officer, Paco Perez, award-winning actor, Djimon Hounsou, USAID/BENIN HIV-AIDS specialist Tom Van Boven, and Vice Prime Minister of Benin, Professor Francois Abiola all provided passionate remarks commemorating world AIDS day. Students from seven private universities who participated in a “campus without ...
Read More» By U.S. Embassy Cotonou | 9 July, 2016 | Topics: News
On behalf of the United States, I would like to express my deepest condolences to the family of former President Mathieu Kerekou. The United States mourns with the people of Benin. President Kerekou served as an example to the entire African continent by moving Benin firmly in the direction of democratic governance. During his elected ...
Read More» By U.S. Embassy Cotonou | 8 July, 2016 | Topics: Exclude, Former U.S. Government Leaders, News | Tags: John Kerry
The U.S. Embassy would like to remind U.S. citizens of the updated Worldwide Caution issued by the Department of State on March 03, 2016. This caution replaces the Worldwide Caution dated July 29, 2015.
https://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/alertswarnings/worldwide-caution.html With the recent terrorist attacks in Cote d’Ivoire, Mali, Burkina Faso and Brussels, the U.S. Embassy Cotonou would like to remind ...
Read More» By U.S. Embassy Cotonou | 25 March, 2016 | Topics: Security & Emergency Messages
The U.S. Embassy would like to inform U.S. citizens that Beninese land borders are expected to be closed from Sunday, March 20 at 12:00 a.m. until Monday, March 21 at 6:00 a.m. due to presidential elections scheduled for March 20. The Government of Benin routinely closes land borders the day of national elections. Please travel ...
Read More» By U.S. Embassy Cotonou | 17 March, 2016 | Topics: Security & Emergency Messages
U.S. Embassy Cotonou, Benin The U.S. Embassy wishes to inform U.S. citizens that results of the first round of elections are scheduled to be released this weekend. While there are no specific demonstrations planned, social disruptions or protests could occur with little or no warning throughout Benin. Please remember that even demonstrations intended to be ...
Read More» By U.S. Embassy Cotonou | 11 March, 2016 | Topics: Security & Emergency Messages
The U.S. Embassy would like to inform U.S. citizens that Beninese land borders are expected to be closed from Sunday, March 6 at 12:00AM until Monday, March 7 at 06:00am due to the presidential elections taking place on March 6. The Government of Benin routinely closes land borders the day of national elections. Please travel ...
Read More» By U.S. Embassy Cotonou | 26 February, 2016 | Topics: Security & Emergency Messages
The U.S. Embassy informs U.S. citizens in Benin that, due to safety and security concerns, official travel by U.S. Embassy employees to Parc W, the regional national park on Benin’s northeastern border with Niger and Burkina Faso, will now be considered on a case by case basis. However, personaltravel for all U.S Embassy employees to Parc ...
Read More» By U.S. Embassy Cotonou | 8 December, 2015 | Topics: Security & Emergency Messages
The U.S. Embassy informs U.S. citizens in Benin that until further notice, U.S. Embassy personnel are prohibited from travelling to or staying at Parc W, the regional national park located on Benin’s border with Burkina Faso and Niger. U.S. citizens are encouraged to follow the same guidance. For further information: See the
State Department’s travel website for the
Worldwide Caution ,Travel ...
Read More» By U.S. Embassy Cotonou | 2 December, 2015 | Topics: Security & Emergency Messages
The U.S. Embassy informs U.S. citizens in Benin that until further notice, U.S. Embassy personnel are prohibited from travelling to or staying at Parc W, the regional national park located on Benin’s border with Burkina Faso and Niger. U.S. citizens are encouraged to follow the same guidance. For further information: See the
State Department’s travel website for the
Worldwide Caution , ...
Read More» By U.S. Embassy Cotonou | 2 December, 2015 | Topics: Security & Emergency Messages
Ambassador Lucy Tamlyn provided keynote remark at the launch of the Junior AWEP program created through a PAS grant on November 24. Thirty Beninese teenage and early 20’s females from four different regions of Benin attended the launch which was followed by an interactive session led by successful Beninese businesswomen. The Junior AWEPs are female ...
Read More» By U.S. Embassy Cotonou | 24 November, 2015 | Topics: News
1. The State Department alerts U.S. citizens to possible risks of travel due to increased terrorist threats. Current information suggests that ISIL (aka Da’esh), al-Qa’ida, Boko Haram, and other terrorist groups continue to plan terrorist attacks in multiple regions. These attacks may employ a wide variety of tactics, using conventional and non-conventional weapons and targeting ...
Read More» By U.S. Embassy Cotonou | 23 November, 2015 | Topics: Security & Emergency Messages
U.S. Ambassador Lucy Tamlyn presented her diplomatic credentials to Beninese President Boni Yayi on November 8 at the Presidential Palace. President Boni Yayi and the Ambassador Tamlyn engaged in far reaching discussion concerning the relationship between the two countries. During her remarks Ambassador Tamlyn focused on the need for the two countries to work together ...
Read More» By U.S. Embassy Cotonou | 8 November, 2015 | Topics: News
On Friday, September 25, 2015, the Chargé d’Affaires of the U.S. Mission, Todd Whatley, and Benin’s Minister of Interior, Placide Azandé, presided over the closing ceremony of a four-week border security training in Benin. The Marines and sailors with the Special-Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Crisis Response-Africa came to Benin for a month-long theater security ...
Read More» By U.S. Embassy Cotonou | 25 September, 2015 | Topics: News
1. The Department of State warns U.S. citizens of the risks of travel to Burkina Faso and recommends that U.S. citizens currently in Burkina Faso depart as soon as it is feasible to do so. 2. This Travel Warning is being issued to notify U.S. citizens that on September 21, the Department of State authorized ...
Read More» By U.S. Embassy Cotonou | 22 September, 2015 | Topics: Emergency Services
From August 10-15, Mission Cotonou collaborated with Africa Regional Services (ARS) for the second annual Camp Davis youth basketball camp. Former NBA player, Coach Tommy Davis, conducted the week-long camp, teaching basketball fundamentals to 50 young players (23 boys and 27 girls) between the ages of 12-18, as well as training 10 local coaches. The ...
Read More» By U.S. Embassy Cotonou | 15 August, 2015 | Topics: News
Following a successful joint entrepreneurship camp last year, U.S. Embassies in Lome and Cotonou teamed up to bring together 40 Beninese and 60 Togolese female entrepreneurs in Lomé for a week-long training program known as the Binational Economic Independence Course for Women (BEICW). Embassy Lome hosted the program which consisted of presentations from successful entrepreneurs ...
Read More» By U.S. Embassy Cotonou | 7 August, 2015 | Topics: News
More than 800 guests attended the first official event at the New Embassy Compound which celebrated the 239th anniversary of U.S. Independence with an environmental theme. During his remarks, Chargé d’Affaires Todd Whatley reminded the crowd that one of America’s Founding Fathers, Benjamin Franklin, was also one of the fathers of the environmental movement in ...
Read More» By U.S. Embassy Cotonou | 8 July, 2015 | Topics: News
The New Embassy Compound was officially inaugurated on July 8th. The Chargé d’Affaires, Todd Whatley, and the Under Secretary of State for Management, Patrick Kennedy, presided over the inauguration ceremony. The ribbon cutting took place in the presence of Benin’s Prime Minister, Lionel Zinsou, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Saliou Akadiri, and many other officials ...
Read More» By U.S. Embassy Cotonou | 8 July, 2015 | Topics: News
On May 30th, Embassy Cotonou’s Public Affairs Section organized for several Mission employees, including Post’s newly arrived Marines, to attend a little-league baseball practice and deliver an equipment donation to participants of the youth baseball club, Baseball in Benin. The club is sponsored by a U.S.-based NGO and seeks to introduce baseball, a largely unknown ...
Read More» By U.S. Embassy Cotonou | 30 May, 2015 | Topics: News
Mission Benin partnered with the Beninese Biking Federation, a local telecom company, and several environmental NGOs to organize its first ever “Bike for the Planet” event on May 15. Sixty participants competed, racing along a sandy beach road 25 miles from Ouidah to Cotonou. The initiative rallied young Beninese around a new sport while promoting ...
Read More» By U.S. Embassy Cotonou | 15 May, 2015 | Topics: News
The U.S. Embassy informs U.S. citizens that there is a demonstration occurring in the Zogbo neighborhood near the Cotonou Stadium consisting of about 500 demonstrators who have set tires on fire and made the area inaccessible. Police have blocked both directions on the Rue De Lomé leading North and South in the direction of the ...
Read More» By U.S. Embassy Cotonou | 4 May, 2015 | Topics: Security & Emergency Messages
Though Cotonou’s International Airport remains open, Benin’s aviation authority informed the U.S. Embassy that Air France and Air Brussels have cancelled all flights to and from Cotonou until needed repairs are made to the tarmac. Regional airline and smaller aircraft flights may also be disrupted. Please note that the flight cancellations and possible disruptions are not ...
Read More» By U.S. Embassy Cotonou | 25 April, 2015 | Topics: Security & Emergency Messages
The Beninese government has announced that Beninese land borders will be closed from tonight, Sunday, April 26, 2015 at 12:00AM until Monday, April 27, 2015 at 06:00AM due to the legislative elections taking place on Sunday, April 26, 2015. The U.S. Embassy recommends that U.S. citizens monitor local news stations for updates, plan travel accordingly, ...
Read More» By U.S. Embassy Cotonou | 25 April, 2015 | Topics: Security & Emergency Messages
On April 10, Ambassador Michael Raynor presided over the official launch of Benin’s African Women Entrepreneurship Program(AWEP) chapter. AWEP was initially created as part of the International Visitor’s Leadership Program in 2010 by then Secretary of State Clinton as part of President Obama’s Entrepreneurship Summit in Washington, and it has since flourished to become a ...
Read More» By U.S. Embassy Cotonou | 10 April, 2015 | Topics: News
On March 17th Ambassador Raynor attended the launch of 2014 YALI Washington Mandela Fellow Nicase Degvano’s YALI Club in Bohicon. Nicaise was one of six young Beninese leaders who traveled to the United States last summer through President Obama’s Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI). Through this program, the fellows attended U.S. universities and received training ...
Read More» By U.S. Embassy Cotonou | 17 March, 2015 | Topics: News
In celebration of women’s history month, Ambassador Raynor traveled to northern Benin to support several women’s empowerment programs including the donation of Nouveaux Horizons books and One World Futbol soccer balls to a rare all-girls public high school in Parakou, located seven hours north of Cotonou. Ambassador Raynor’s remarks highlighted the tangible economic and community ...
Read More» By U.S. Embassy Cotonou | 15 March, 2015 | Topics: News
Ambassador Raynor traveled to northern Benin to inaugurate several projects funded through the Ambassador’s Special Self-Help Fund. Through this grass-roots program, the U.S. Embassy is able to respond quickly to the needs and requests of local communities for development projects that will have an immediate impact. Inaugurations included rice shellers in Malanville and Djidja, food ...
Read More» By U.S. Embassy Cotonou | 15 March, 2015 | Topics: News
The U.S. Mission organized a week-long leadership training for over 2,200 young Beninese from all 77 of Benin’s communes. This training aimed to provided participants with hands-on leadership and entrepreneurship skills, and was conducted in partnership with the local national university and the van Duyse Entrepreneurial and Leadership Institute. The training was a great success, ...
Read More» By U.S. Embassy Cotonou | 27 February, 2015 | Topics: News
In honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, the American Cultural Center hosted the first edition of the Open Mic Night on January 21, 2015. Five competitors performed in each of four categories: song, dance, slam/poetry and speech. Over 200 people attended the event including students, artists, and embassy staff. In her opening remarks, Ms. ...
Read More» By U.S. Embassy Cotonou | 21 January, 2015 | Topics: News
