COTONOU, Benin (May 13, 2022) – The U.S. government’s Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) and representatives from the Governments of Benin and Niger met May 12-13 to advance a proposed regional development grant designed to reduce the cost of transportation along the road corridor between the port of Cotonou and the capital city of Niamey. MCC’s …
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The new U.S. Ambassador to Benin, Brian Shukan, presented his credential letter to the President of the Republic of Benin Patrice Talon on May 5 at the Presidency in Cotonou. In his meeting with President Talon, Ambassador Shukan outlined his priorities for continuing to work closely with Benin to help all Beninese reach their full …
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U.S. Ambassador to Benin Brian Shukan wished a blessed Ramadan to the Muslim community by joining U.S. Embassy staff in donating food items to mosques in Cotonou and Porto-Novo. On April 25, the U.S. Embassy delegation visited Imam Youssouf Ali from the La Ilaha Illa Alla Mosque in Agla and Imam Issiack Alao Ligali from …
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On April 6, 2022, U.S. Deputy Chief of Mission Karen Gustafson de Andrade, presented prizes to the five winners of the 6th Annual Martin Luther King Jr’s (MLK) English poetry competition at U.S. Embassy Cotonou. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, Public Diplomacy held the Slam Contest online. The purpose of this contest is to encourage students to …
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PRESS STATEMENT ANTONY J. BLINKEN, SECRETARY OF STATE APRIL 1, 2022 The United States is committed to strengthening global resiliency and democratic renewal, and promoting peaceful, self-reliant nations that become strong economic and security partners capable of addressing shared challenges. To that end, the U.S. Government is moving forward in the spirit of partnership …
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U.S. Embassy Chargée d’Affaires, a.i. Stephanie Arnold officially launched the Grand Fair of the 2021 Academy of Women Entrepreneurs (AWE) at conference room Le Marin in Cotonou on March 10, 2022. Organized by alumni of the African Women Entrepreneurship Program (AWEP-Benin), this year’s fair was one of the highlights of the AWE Grow-Up Week, launched …
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The Deputy Chief of Mission (DCM) of U.S. Embassy Cotonou, Karen Gustafson de Andrade, toured the departments of Borgou and Alibori from February 14 to 17, 2022. This tour was an opportunity for Ms. Gustafson de Andrade to meet the Embassy’s partner organizations in the north and to inquire about the security situation. The tour …
Read More» The prayers of the entire world are with the people of Ukraine tonight as they suffer an unprovoked and unjustified attack by Russian military forces. President Putin has chosen a premeditated war that will bring a catastrophic loss of life and human suffering. Russia alone is responsible for the death and destruction this attack will …
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Embassy Cotonou was pleased to host American chef and entrepreneur Vallery Lomas from January 31 to February 4, 2022. During her visit, Ms. Lomas explored Beninese and American culinary links, and especially African influences on dishes from Ms. Lomas’s home state of Louisiana. She also shared lessons learned from her career journey and other entrepreneurial …
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COTONOU, Benin, 24 January 2022 – The United States Government is assisting the Benin Human Rights Commission (BHRC) to train human rights officers, who will serve in new BHRC resource centers to support citizens to engage with the Commission outside of Cotonou, over the course of a three-day workshop in Lokossa. Through the U.S. Agency …
Read More» Remarks By President Biden At The Summit For Democracy Opening Session THE PRESIDENT: Well, hello everyone, and welcome to the first Summit for Democracy. This gathering has been on my mind for a long time for a simple reason: In the face of sustained and alarming challenges to democracy, universal human rights, and — all …
Read More» The United States and Africa: Building a 21st Century Partnership SPEECH ANTONY J. BLINKEN, SECRETARY OF STATE ECONOMIC COMMUNITY OF WEST AFRICAN STATES ABUJA, NIGERIA NOVEMBER 19, 2021 SECRETARY BLINKEN: Good morning, everyone. Thank you very much, Vice President Koroma. Thank you for the very kind introduction, but thank you especially for your leadership here at ECOWAS – not just today, but …
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The U.S. Embassy in Cotonou, Benin announces the donation of 332,280 doses of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine by the United States Government as part of the United States’ global efforts to fight the COVID-19 pandemic. The U.S. government coordinated closely with the African Union, Africa CDC, and COVAX on the country allocations. COVAX supported delivery …
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U.S. Army Gen. Stephen Townsend, commander, U.S. Africa Command, continued a multi-day visit to West Africa, with stops in Togo and Benin, September 22-23. Townsend expressed the command’s readiness to help both partner nations increase their ability to secure their northern border areas from the terrorist threat and improve security cooperation across the region. In …
Read More» PRESS STATEMENT ANTONY J. BLINKEN, SECRETARY OF STATE SEPTEMBER 14, 2021 On this International Day of Democracy, we underscore our support for democracy as we strive toward a more equitable, inclusive, and sustainable world. The United States places democracy and human rights at the center of our foreign policy; they are essential elements in achieving and …
Read More» PRESS STATEMENT NED PRICE, DEPARTMENT SPOKESPERSON SEPTEMBER 5, 2021 Violence and any extra-constitutional measures will only erode Guinea’s prospects for peace, stability, and prosperity. These actions could limit the ability of the United States and Guinea’s other international partners to support the country as it navigates a path toward national unity and a brighter future …
Read More» ANTONY J. BLINKEN, SECRETARY OF STATE AUGUST 31, 2021 The United States joins others around the world in commemorating the first International Day for People of African Descent. This day was created to promote the extraordinary contributions of Africans and members of the African diaspora around the world and is an opportunity to focus on …
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Arlington, VA – Today, the U.S. Trade and Development Agency announced grant funding for technical assistance to help Beninese company Sherlock Grids SAS expand and improve clean energy access to rural communities across the country. “This project embodies USTDA’s commitment to deploy innovative solutions that connect more of Africa’s citizens to clean, reliable power,” said …
Read More» FACT SHEET: President Biden Announces Major Milestone in Administration’s Global Vaccination Efforts: More Than 100 Million U.S. COVID-19 Vaccine Doses Donated and Shipped Abroad Building off of last week’s announcement of additional actions that we are taking to stop the spread of the Delta variant and get more people vaccinated in the United States, President Biden will give …
Read More» PRESS STATEMENT ANTONY J. BLINKEN, SECRETARY OF STATE AUGUST 1, 2021 Share On behalf of the United States and the American people, I send best wishes and congratulations to the government and people of Benin as you celebrate 61 years of independence. The pandemic has affected us all, and even as we continue the fight …
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The U.S. Embassy in Cotonou, Benin announces the donation by the United States Government of 302,400 doses of the single-shot Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine as part of the United State’s global efforts to fight the COVID-19 pandemic. The donated vaccines are part of the U.S. government’s initial pledge to provide at least 25 million …
Read More» JOHN KERRY, SPECIAL PRESIDENTIAL ENVOY FOR CLIMATE ROYAL BOTANIC GARDENS, KEW, LONDON JULY 20, 2021 Thank you Robin for a remarkably generous introduction. Ladies and gentlemen I accept the nomination. [laughter] I really appreciate Robin being here and I’m a great admirer of the incredible work of Chatham House, so thank you very, very much for being part of this. Dame Amelia Fawcett – …
Read More» Jill and I send our warmest greetings to those celebrating Eid al-Adha around the world. The Eid traditions and Hajj rituals of providing for those less fortunate in commemoration of Abraham and his son’s devotion to God carry a special meaning this year as we continue to navigate the challenges of COVID-19 and work to respond …
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Freedom of expression, the cherished and indispensable right enshrined in the founding documents of both our nations, has long been a cornerstone of a strong U.S.-Benin partnership based on shared democratic values such as tolerance, mutual respect, and the peaceful resolution of differences. From Cotonou to Washington, the hard-won freedom to think, to imagine, to …
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REMARKS ANTONY J. BLINKEN, SECRETARY OF STATE DR. KARI JOHNSTONE, ACTING DIRECTOR OFFICE TO MONITOR AND COMBAT TRAFFICKING IN PERSONS BEN FRANKLIN ROOM WASHINGTON, D.C. JULY 1, 2021 MS JOHNSTONE: Good afternoon, and welcome. My name is Kari Johnstone. I am the acting director of the Office to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons. Thank …
Read More» PRESS STATEMENT ANTONY J. BLINKEN, SECRETARY OF STATE JUNE 18, 2021 Juneteenth, or June 19, is a reflective day to commemorate the end of slavery in the United States. On January 1, 1863, President Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation to abolish slavery. Yet it wasn’t until two and a half years later, on June 19, …
Read More» PRESS STATEMENT ANTONY J. BLINKEN, SECRETARY OF STATE JUNE 16, 2021 Today marks the tenth anniversary of the unanimous endorsement by the UN Human Rights Council of the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (UNGPs). These principles recognize a three-pronged approach to protecting human rights in the context of business activity: States have …
Read More» World Day Against Child Labor PRESS STATEMENT NED PRICE, DEPARTMENT SPOKESPERSON JUNE 11, 2021 Child labor harms the physical and mental development of children, depriving them of their childhood, their potential, and their dignity. For their future and for the world’s future, we must do more to combat child labor and protect children from this scourge. June 12 is …
Read More» United States Announces Plan to Allocate First 25 Million Doses of Vaccine to COVAX As we continue to fight the COVID-19 pandemic at home and work to end the pandemic worldwide, President Biden has promised that the United States will be an arsenal of vaccines for the world. To do that, the Administration will pursue …
Read More» ANTONY J. BLINKEN, SECRETARY OF STATE JUNE 1, 2021 During this year’s Pride Month, we celebrate an important message: “You are Included.” The diverse experiences, perspectives, and contributions of the State Department community make our institution stronger and advance the goals of American diplomacy. Out of many, we are one. The Department has committed to …
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May 28, 2021 – U.S. Ambassador Patricia Mahoney visited Nikki, Parakou, and Tchaourou from May 24-27, 2021 to meet with local leaders and partner organizations and to assess U.S. government efforts to support cultural, educational, and health development in the Department of Borgou. In a meeting with His Royal Highness Sabi Nayina III in Nikki, …
Read More» News Alert: U.S. citizens may directly return to the United States with certain expired U.S. passports. If you are overseas and your passport expired on or after January 1, 2020, you may be able to use your expired passport to return directly to the United States until December 31, 2021. You qualify for this exception if all the following are …
Read More» Today, in the Oval Office, I met with George Floyd’s family. Although it has been one year since their beloved brother and father was murdered, for the family – for any family experiencing a profound loss – the first year can still feel like they got the news a few seconds ago. And they’ve had …
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COTONOU, Benin, May 20, 2021 – The United States Government is providing protective equipment and health supplies to prevent the spread of COVID-19, including among orphans, older people, and people with disabilities, in the departments of Alibori, Atacora, Ouémé, and Plateau. The United States, through the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), presented a selection …
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PRESS STATEMENT ANTONY J. BLINKEN, SECRETARY OF STATE MAY 16, 2021 This year’s May 17 marks 16 years since the first International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia (IDAHOTB). In the intervening period, the United States has endeavored to reaffirm the human rights and fundamental freedoms of all persons, including lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, …
Read More» SPECIAL BRIEFING VIA TELEPHONE Download or listen to the audio file here Moderator: Good afternoon to everyone from the U.S. Department of State’s Africa Regional Media Hub. I would like to welcome our participants from across the continent and thank all of you for taking part in this discussion. Today, we are very pleased to be …
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Earlier this month, a team from the United States Department of Defense visited Benin to support Beninese naval efforts to secure the nation’s waterways and combat the global menace of maritime piracy. Working alongside sailors at the Cotonou Naval Base, the visiting American team provided training and parts to improve the performance of the U.S.-donated …
Read More» PRESS STATEMENT ANTONY J. BLINKEN, SECRETARY OF STATE MAY 2, 2021 Tomorrow, the United States joins the international community in celebrating World Press Freedom Day. Information and knowledge are powerful tools, and a free and independent press is the core institution connecting publics to the information they need to advocate for themselves, make informed decisions, and hold governmental officials accountable. The …
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April 25, 2021 – The United States Government celebrates the progress made in the fight against malaria in Benin alongside the Ministry of Health and local and international partners at a ceremony to observe World Malaria Day in Avrankou, Ouémé. This past year, COVID-19 created an unprecedented global crisis. Yet malaria has long been a …
Read More» PRESS STATEMENT NED PRICE, DEPARTMENT SPOKESPERSON APRIL 23, 2021 The United States notes with concern the numerous arrests of opposition political leaders related to the April 11 presidential elections. Among the democratic principles our two countries share is the presumption of innocence until proven guilty through a prompt, fair, transparent, and apolitical criminal justice process. …
Read More» PRESS STATEMENT ANTONY J. BLINKEN, SECRETARY OF STATE APRIL 22, 2021 Today, the 51st Earth Day, we must work together to combat the climate crisis and restore our Earth for the benefit of everyone. Each year, an estimated one billion people around the world mobilize for action on Earth Day, and this year, the United States joins this wave of action. This morning, …
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Wednesday, APRIL 14, 2021 —————– The U.S. Embassy recognizes all those who exercised their democratic rights peacefully by casting ballots in Benin’s presidential elections on April 11. We call on all parties to address any grievances through processes laid out in Benin’s Constitution and laws. Violence has no place in democratic societies. We are disappointed …
Read More» ANTONY J. BLINKEN, SECRETARY OF STATE RECORDED ON APRIL 9, 2021 APRIL 12, 2021 Today, I wish all Muslims in the United States and around the world a blessed Ramadan. Ramadan is a season of reflection, prayer, charity, fasting, and community. Many Muslims at home and abroad will again celebrate this Ramadan differently through …
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The Embassies of Germany, the United States, France, the Netherlands and the European Union delegation regret acts of violence observed on the margins of the electoral process. We express our solidarity with the victims. We call for an end to violence and for a return to calm, and express our desire that the election take …
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Villagers in two communities in northeast Benin will no longer need to cross the border to give birth or receive other basic medical care with the delivery of two new medical facilities in the remote villages of Money and Godjekoara, both of which sit in the larger border region of the Commune of Malanville. The …
Read More» SPECIAL BRIEFING VIA TELEPHONE JULIE CABUS DEPUTY ASSISTANT SECRETARY, BUREAU OF DIPLOMATIC SECURITY AND MICHAEL C. GONZALES DEPUTY ASSISTANT SECRETARY, BUREAU OF AFRICAN AFFAIRS APRIL 7, 2021 SUMMARY Telephonic press briefing on the first ever West Africa Joint Operations (WAJO) regional exercise that took place March 29-31, 2021. The briefing featured Julie Cabus, Deputy …
Read More» Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield U.S. Representative to the United Nations New York, New York March 19, 2021 AS DELIVERED Thank you, Mr. President. Thank you for convening us to commemorate this important day. And I thank the Secretary-General, Madam High Commissioner, and Dr. Iweala, for your leadership in pressing us all to do more toward the …
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March 15, 2021 – The United States Government assisted the Benin Human Rights Commission (BHRC) with training on organizational accreditation, advocacy, and investigating and reporting on acts of torture, to strengthen the BHRC’s functions as a human rights institution. Through the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), the United States supported three two-day workshops for …
Read More» Every year on March 8th, the United States joins the world in recognizing International Women’s Day by celebrating the leadership, strength, and courage of women and girls. The United States recognizes the reality that the equitable participation of women in social, political, and economic life is critical to the peace and prosperity of our collective …
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On March 4, U.S. Ambassador Patricia Mahoney presented prizes to the five winners of the 5th Annual MLK Slam English poetry competition organized by the U.S. Embassy. The winners were selected from fifty-six young Beninese who submitted slam poetry performances for the virtual competition, held online this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Ms. Faith Agbossou’s …
Read More» Each year, Women’s History Month offers an important opportunity for us to shine a light on the extraordinary legacy of trailblazing American women and girls who have built, shaped, and improved upon our Nation. Throughout American history, women and girls have made vital contributions, often in the face of discrimination and undue hardship. Courageous women …
Read More» PRESS STATEMENT ANTONY J. BLINKEN, SECRETARY OF STATE MARCH 1, 2021 Today, we mark the 60th anniversary of the United States Peace Corps and celebrate the volunteers and staff who have served in communities around the world, representing American values and ideals. Established by President John F. Kennedy in 1961, the Peace Corps showcases America …
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On Thursday, February 25, U.S. Ambassador Patricia Mahoney visited construction sites for three new high-voltage electrical substations and the underground distribution lines that will connect them. New infrastructure funded by the United States of America is expected to benefit ten million Beninese over the next twenty years by facilitating a five-fold increase in the capacity of …
Read More» The United States is committed to a world in which human rights are protected, their defenders are celebrated, and those who commit human rights abuses are held accountable. Promoting respect for human rights is not something we can do alone, but is best accomplished working with our allies and partners across the globe. President Biden …
Read More» On January 20, on his first day in office, President Biden signed the instrument to bring the United States back into the Paris Agreement. Per the terms of the Agreement, the United States officially becomes a Party again today. The Paris Agreement is an unprecedented framework for global action. We know because we helped design …
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COTONOU, Benin, February 19, 2021 – The United States Government is providing protective equipment and health supplies to strengthen the community-level response to COVID-19 in the departments of Atlantique, Collines, and Mono. The United States, through the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), presented a selection of materials to the Ministry of Health and department …
Read More» Bonjour à tous. C’est un plaisir pour moi de participer cette année au sommet du G5 Sahel. Je remercie le président Ghazouani de son leadership au cours de l’année écoulée, le président Deby d’assurer la présidence cette année, et son excellence Maman Sidikou pour la direction du secrétariat exécutif. The G5 Sahel does vital work …
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Thursday, February 11, 2021 U.S. Embassy Statement on Benin’s Presidential Elections For more than thirty years the people of Benin have taken well-deserved pride in democratically held elections that ensure voters have a choice among candidates. The United States shares with the people of Benin their desire to sustain this most cherished function of a …
Read More» PRESS STATEMENT ANTONY J. BLINKEN, SECRETARY OF STATE FEBRUARY 8, 2021 The Biden administration has recommitted the United States to a foreign policy centered on democracy, human rights, and equality. Effective use of multilateral tools is an important element of that vision, and in that regard the President has instructed the Department of State …
Read More» U.S. Department of State Headquarters Harry S. Truman Building Washington, D.C. 2:45 P.M. EST THE PRESIDENT: Mr. Secretary, it’s great to be here with you. And I’ve been looking forward a long time to be able to call you “Mr. Secretary.” Good afternoon, everyone. It’s an honor to be back at the State Department under …
Read More» PRESS STATEMENT ANTONY J. BLINKEN, SECRETARY OF STATE FEBRUARY 4, 2021 Today, President Biden signed a Presidential Memorandum directing all U.S. government departments and agencies engaged abroad to ensure that U.S. diplomacy and foreign assistance promote and protect the human rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and intersex (LGBTQI+) persons around the world. …
Read More» PRESS STATEMENT NED PRICE, DEPARTMENT SPOKESPERSON FEBRUARY 6, 2021 The United States in recent years has joined the international community on February 6 in observing the International Day of Zero Tolerance to Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting (FGM/C). The United States remains committed to ending this egregious human rights abuse and supporting survivors of FGM/C, both …
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On February 4, 2021, U.S. Deputy Chief of Mission Karen Gustafson de Andrade presided over the launch of the “Women’s Political Empowerment” project at INFOSEC in Cotonou. Funded by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, this Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund (AEIF) project will be executed by the U.S.-Benin Women …
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COTONOU, Benin, 4 February 2021 – The United States Government is assisting the Benin Human Rights Commission (BHRC) to educate young Beninese civil society leaders on civic engagement and human rights through a series of seven workshops in Benin. Through the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), the United States is supporting workshops in Cotonou, …
Read More» This February, during Black History Month, I call on the American people to honor the history and achievements of Black Americans and to reflect on the centuries of struggle that have brought us to this time of reckoning, redemption, and hope. We have never fully lived up to the founding principles of this nation that …
Read More» PRESS STATEMENT ANTONY J. BLINKEN, SECRETARY OF STATE FEBRUARY 1, 2021 Today marks National Freedom Day, a day that commemorates President Abraham Lincoln’s signing of the joint resolution that established the Constitution’s 13th Amendment abolishing slavery in the United States. It is a day when, thanks to the decades-long push of Richard R. Wright and …
Read More» Cotonou, Benin, January 28, 2021 – Officials from the United States and Benin will hold a series of meetings over the coming months to negotiate the terms of a Child Protection Compact (CPC) Partnership, a multi-year plan to address child sex trafficking and forced child labor in Benin. The partnership may include up to $10 …
Read More» Today, we join together with people from nations around the world to commemorate International Holocaust Remembrance Day by remembering the 6 million Jews, as well as the Roma and Sinti, Slavs, disabled persons, LGBTQ+ individuals, and many others, who were murdered by the Nazis and their collaborators during the Shoah. We must never forget the …
Read More» The U.S. Department of State and U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) remind all travelers that beginning tomorrow, January 26, all air passengers two years of age or older arriving to the United States must provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test or proof of recovery from COVID-19 before boarding. This order applies …
Read More» His Excellency Mr. António Guterres Secretary-General United Nations New York Excellency: This letter constitutes a retraction by the Government of the United States of the letter dated July 6, 2020, notifying you that the Government of the United States intended to withdraw from the World Health Organization (WHO), effective July 6, 2021. The United States …
Read More» BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA A PROCLAMATION The United States was built on a foundation of religious freedom and tolerance, a principle enshrined in the United States Constitution. Nevertheless, the previous administration enacted a number of Executive Orders and Presidential Proclamations that prevented certain individuals from entering the United States — first from primarily …
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The United States Capitol 11:52 AM EST THE PRESIDENT: Chief Justice Roberts, Vice President Harris, Speaker Pelosi, Leader Schumer, Leader McConnell, Vice President Pence, distinguished guests, and my fellow Americans. This is America’s day. This is democracy’s day. A day of history and hope. Of renewal and resolve. Through a crucible for the ages America …
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On January 14, Ambassador Mahoney opened a two-day workshop on open governance with the Mayor of Porto Novo and his staff, as well as President of Social Watch Benin Blanche Sonon. The workshop is part of the $375,000 Africa Regional Democracy Fund grant to Social Watch Benin to improve open governance in 20 communes throughout …
Read More» Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Media Statement For Immediate Release January 12, 2021 The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is expanding the requirement for a negative COVID-19 test to all air passengers entering the United States. Testing before and after travel is a critical layer to slow the introduction and spread of …
Read More» The White House December 31, 2020 Human trafficking is a horrific assault on human dignity that affects people in the United States and around the world. It tears apart communities, fuels criminal activity, and threatens the national security of the United States. During National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month, we reaffirm our commitment …
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On December 15, Ambassador Mahoney and the Minister of Decentralization and Local Governance Alassane Seidou officially launched MuniWASH, a five-year, $18 million activity that will improve water, sanitation, and hygiene services in underserved urban areas in Benin and Côte d’Ivoire. Taking place at the Benin National Association of Communes in Abomey-Calavi, the event welcomed mayors …
Read More» Are you thinking of attending university or graduate school? If the answer is yes, where you decide to go is a choice that can change your life. How do you decide? For more than a million international students from around the world the answer is the United States. Far more international students study in the …
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Through the Ambassador’s Fund for Cultural Preservation program, the Embassy was proud to sponsor the Trois Soeurs Education Fund’s efforts to record and publish Benin’s rich tradition of storytelling and traditional folktales. The project culminated on December 11th with the opening of a pop-up museum in Abomey-Calavi showcasing portraits of Benin’s storytellers and displaying works …
Read More» U.S. Department Of State Office of the Spokesperson For Immediate Release Statement by Secretary Michael R. Pompeo December 10, 2020 On International Human Rights Day, the United States celebrates the rights and freedoms enshrined in the 1948 Universal Declaration of Human Rights. This day has a special resonance for Americans, as the United States was …
Read More» Department of State Office of the Spokesperson For Immediate Release Press Statement by Michael R. Pompeo, Secretary of State December 8, 2020 On December 8, President Trump issued the Executive Order on Ensuring Access to United States Government COVID-19 Vaccines. The Executive Order provides a mandate for the United States to facilitate international access …
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COTONOU, 7 December 2020 – In anticipation of Human Rights Day, the United States Government is supporting the Benin Human Rights Commission (BHRC) to engage and educate youth in Benin on human rights and their responsibilities as Beninese citizens. Through the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), the United States is assisting the BHRC in …
Read More» Press Statement Michael R. Pompeo, Secretary of State December 2, 2020 December 3 is the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, a fitting occasion for the United States to reaffirm its commitment to, and support for, the full inclusion of persons with disabilities in daily life of the community. We point with pride to …
Read More» Special Briefing via Telephone December 1, 2020 Moderator: Good afternoon to everyone from the U.S. Department of State’s Africa Regional Media Hub. I would like to welcome our participants from across the continent and thank all of you for taking part in this discussion. Today, we are very pleased to be joined by Ambassador-at-Large …
Read More» U.S. Embassy Cotonou informs U.S. citizens that, effective November 25, 2020, the consular exchange rate increased from 590F CFA to 600F CFA ($1.00 US = 600F CFA). All consular service fees, including passports, Consular Reports of Birth Abroad, notarials, and visas, will reflect this new exchange rate. Payment for consular services at U.S. Embassy Cotonou …
Read More» U.S. Department of State Office of the Spokesperson For Immediate Release Statement by Secretary Michael R. Pompeo November 25, 2020 Around the world, violence against women harms not only millions of women and girls every year, but also their communities and families. Violence against women, whether in the workforce, the home, a school environment, …
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On November 6, 2020, U.S. Chargé d’Affaires a.i. Karen Gustafson de Andrade attended a small ceremony at Cotonou International Airport to help welcome home members of the Beninese Armed Forces who had been deployed to the Lake Chad Basin as part of the Multinational Joint Task Force’s (MNJTF) peacekeeping operations. The troops were transported by …
Read More» USAID Office of Press Relations For Immediate Release November 17, 2020 Today, U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) Acting Deputy Administrator John Barsa announced a brand new, continent-wide Prosper Africa program in trade and investment. Worth up to $500 million over five years, subject to the availability of funds, this flagship program will offer …
Read More» U.S. Department Of State Office Of The Spokesperson For Immediate Release Statement By Morgan Ortagus, Spokesperson November 1, 2020 A free press is essential to an informed citizenry. A vigorous press can, for instance, expose corruption, shine a light on human rights abuses, and provide the public essential information during crises. In many places, journalists fulfilling this necessary role risk attacks by authoritarian regimes and criminal organizations seeking to clamp down …
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TOFFO, November 02, 2020 – The Chargé d’affaires ad interim of the U.S. Embassy to Benin, Karen Gustafson de Andrade, inaugurated classrooms at the Colli Middle School. The ceremony was held in the presence of the Chargée de Mission of the Prefect of the Atlantic department, Mrs. Paulette Eki, the Mayor of Toffo, Bibiane Adamazé Soglo, the Director of the Colli Middle School, Jean-Baptiste Gnanho, the Departmental Director of Secondary, and …
Read More» Listen to or download the audio file here . Moderator: Good afternoon to everyone from the U.S. Department of State’s Africa Regional Media Hub. I would like to welcome our participants from across the continent and thank all of you for taking part in this discussion. Today we are very pleased to be joined by Sean …
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Millenium Challenge Corporation (MCC) October 21, 2020 WASHINGTON, D.C., October 21, 2020 – The Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) and Africa50 signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to develop and launch the Millennium Impact for Infrastructure Accelerator (MIIA) Development Partnership. The new MIIA entity will be a global investment platform designed to spur and attract impact …
Read More» U.S. Department Of State Office of the Spokesperson For Immediate Release Statement by Secretary Michael R. Pompeo October 8, 2020 The United States is committed to supporting free, fair, inclusive elections. The conduct of elections is important not only for Africans, but also for defenders of democracy around the world. We believe all sides should …
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COTONOU, October 16, 2020 – The United States Government is supporting 40 entrepreneurs in Benin to promote handwashing and affordable sanitation and hygiene products as part of its support to COVID-19 response. Through the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), the United States is working with the entrepreneurs to promote and sell their products to …
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COTONOU, October 1, 2020 – The United States Ambassador to Benin, Patricia Mahoney, and the Minister of the Interior and Public Security, Sacca Lafia, signed a letter of agreement allowing for the establishment of a Special Program for Embassy Augmentation and Response (SPEAR) team in Benin. The signing ceremony was held at the Ministry of …
Read More» Embassy of the United States of America Cotonou, Benin Message for U.S. Citizens: Don’t Let the Elections Pass You By September 30, 2020 If you plan to vote in the November 2020 election it is important to ACT NOW! Don’t wait, carefully follow your state’s voting instructions, and return your voted ballot right away! Remember U.S. embassies and …
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COTONOU, September 22, 2020 – The United States Ambassador to Benin, Patricia Mahoney, officially distributed a shipment of personal protective equipment (PPE) worth 41.8 million CFA ($75,000) to the Army Training Hospital on September 22, 2020. This donation was funded by the U.S. Department of Defense’s Overseas Humanitarian Disaster and Civic Aid (OHDACA) program as …
Read More» International Day of Democracy U.S. Department of State Press Statement Michael R. Pompeo, Secretary of State September 14, 2020 In recognition of the International Day of Democracy on September 15, we reaffirm the right of every citizen to take part in the processes of democratic self-governance. Democracies are accountable to their citizens. They respect …
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Department of State Bureau of African Affairs Dipnote Elizabeth “Liz” Liu Foreign Service Officer Special Coordinator for the Young African Leaders Initiative August 7, 2020 It’s hard to believe it, but this week marked the 10th anniversary of the Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI). In 2010, 115 young leaders came to Washington to participate …
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The United States government, through U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM), is proud to contribute $60,000 in equipment and supplies to support the Ministry of Health’s efforts to expand Beninese COVID-19 testing capacity by establishing diagnostic laboratories in Kandi and Lokossa. This assistance is in addition to the $4.5 million that the United States government, through USAID, contributed in April to limit the spread of COVID-19 in Benin. Since the outbreak …
Read More» Fact Sheet Office Of The Spokesperson June11, 2020 For decades, American diplomats have supported women as leaders in efforts to prevent conflict, counter terrorism and violent extremism, and promote security around the world. In 2017, the United States became the first government in the world to enact comprehensive legislation on the role of women …
Read More» U.S. Embassy Statement on Planned Peaceful Protests We welcome the wide range of voices organizing peacefully in the United States, Benin, and around the world to protest injustice and call for change following George Floyd’s tragic death. Throughout American history, our people have gathered peacefully to demand accountability from our leaders. The United States and …
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TIBOR P. NAGY, JR., ASSISTANT SECRETARY BUREAU OF AFRICAN AFFAIRS FEBRUARY 19, 2020 Ensuring a peaceful, stable, and democratic future for Africa’s people is incredibly important, given what is at stake. Within the next 30 years, the population of Africa is projected to double to over 2 billion people, 70 percent of whom will …
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On February 5, United States Ambassador Patricia Mahoney visited Serou to inaugurate a new school constructed with support from the United States Department of Defense. This school is one of six new schools build around Benin as part of the Department’s humanitarian assistance program. The school contains a block of four classrooms, a solar panel …
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On February 5, 2020, Ambassador Mahoney paid a visit to His Majesty King Kpetoni-Koda IV of Djougou. During the visit, the two discussed ways to continue to work together to achieve the shared goals of economic development and religious tolerance, while also discussing the challenges of youth unemployment and economic migration. The Ambassador expressed her …
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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 …
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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 …
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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 …
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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 …
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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 …
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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. …
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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 …
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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 …
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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 …
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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 …
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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 …
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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 …
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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 …
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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 …
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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 …
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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 …
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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 …
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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 …
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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 …
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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 …
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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 …
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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 …
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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 …
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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 …
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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 …
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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 …
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$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 …
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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: …
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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!
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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 …
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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» 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» 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» 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» 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» 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» 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» 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» 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» 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» 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» 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» 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» 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» 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» 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. …
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