The ECOWAS Representation in Benin has inaugurated two meeting rooms named after Marcel de Souza, a former Chair of the ECOWAS Commission, and Lamine Cisse, founding President of the Union of ECOWAS Nationals. Ambassador Amadou Diongue presided over the September 29 ceremony, which was attended by government representatives and members of both families.
Olympe Bhêly-Quenum, the Beninese novelist whose work helped shape African literature in French, turns 100 this year. His novels, including Un piège sans fin and Le Chant du lac, explored individual destinies and social tensions rather than direct colonial critique. His career placed him at the centre of intellectual debates during the independence years, circulating through Présence Africaine and journals that crossed former colonial borders.
ECOWAS Resident Representative in Benin, Ambassador Amadou Diongue, presented a donation to the 'House of Joy' Child Care and Protection Centre in Ouidah on September 21, 2026. The contribution included food, school supplies, vocational equipment, and 500,000 CFA for tuition fees. The ceremony was attended by local officials and the children at the centre.
Women's organizations, mediators, and officials from seven countries gathered in Bamako to address women's underrepresentation in peace processes. The meeting highlighted priorities including participation, protection, funding, and monitoring mechanisms, against a backdrop of widespread displacement in West and Central Africa.
Edo Queens and Ampem Darkoa Ladies have secured semi-final spots at the WAFU B Women's Champions League qualifiers with perfect records. Edo Queens' 10 goals and Ampem Darkoa's solid defense set up a decisive Group B clash, while hosts USFA lead Group A.
Benin's Glo-Djigbé Industrial Zone is processing more of the country's cotton harvest into finished textiles and garments, creating thousands of jobs and retaining value that once left with raw fibre exports. The zone has mobilized over €1.3 billion in investments and aims to reach 300,000 direct jobs by 2030.
