BOAD approves $123 million for West Africa projects

The West African Bank of Development (BOAD) has approved 61.4 billion FCFA (123 million U.S. dollars) for about 10 projects in the member countries of the Economic and Monetary Union of West African (UEMOA) countries.

China View

At the end of the 74th session of the BOAD's administration council held in Lome on Tuesday, the regional financial institution approved the projects in its budget for 2010 and the financial prospects for the 2009-2013 period.

The approval has brought the number of the BOAD-funded projects to 32 in 2009 with a combined investment of 227.8 billion FCFA (456 million dollars). Since its creation, the institution has provided a total of 141,1.842 billion FCFA (25.7 billion dollars) to 505 projects in the region.

The newly approved projects concern mainly road infrastructure, telecommunications, food security and insurance.

In the sector of insurance, the BOAD proposed to sign an accord of 3 billion FCFA (6 million dollars) in support of the Diamond Bank of Benin and to adopt a mechanism of sharing risks with the financial partners.

The council also looked at the possibility of an UEMOA-financed market, the launch of the first African communication satellite by Rascom Star Qaf (RSQ) and a project for sustainable energy production in the region.

The BOAD is a financial institution of the UEMOA, which comprises Benin, Burkina Faso, Cote d'Ivoire, Mali, Niger, Senegal, Guinea-Bissau and Togo.

“Brisbane nurse amazed through Mercy Ships experience”

Merryl Hoey, a volunteer tells the story of her recent trip to West Africa particularly in Benin onboard a Christian Charity Hospital Ship:

Christian Today

“My workmates were surprised at first that I would use my holidays to go and serve as a volunteer on a hospital ship in Africa,” says Birkdale nurse, Merryl Hoey.

Merryl has returned from Benin, West Africa, after three weeks of voluntary service onboard the world’s largest non-governmental hospital ship Africa Mercy, operated by the international Christian charity Mercy Ships. It was her third such time of service. She spent three weeks in Ghana in 2007 with Mercy Ships, and nearly a month last year in Liberia. Then and now, she paid her own way to get there and back, as well as paying crew fees for accommodation and food, all helping to defray costs of operating the ship.

“Once those around me heard of the life changing surgeries and the stories of healing taking place in these countries, which are among the world’s poorest, they were extremely encouraging and supportive. I work at the Mater Private Hospital at Cleveland, where co-workers, the hospital auxiliary, some of the surgeons and management helped financially through donations, making cakes for morning teas and raffles. I have also had opportunities to speak at churches and other groups on my previous work with Mercy Ships.”

“I heard of the work from a long serving volunteer fistula surgeon, Dr Judith Goh, and have had an interest in cross cultural mission work for a long time. My husband and I spend six years with Mission Aviation Fellowship during the 1980s in Papua New Guinea and Central Australia. Now that my family are grown, I was looking for opportunities to use my nursing skills to help other others on a short-term basis.

“So I made the long trip from Brisbane to Benin. The flight was via Singapore, Dubai, Paris and on to Cotonou in Benin. The return trip was by the same route, very tiring and very expensive. But all of that is worth it once you have seen the smiles on the faces of patients and their families following a range of surgeries to correct disability, deformity and blindness. While I worked in the operating theatres, of which there are six on the Africa Mercy, more than 400 volunteers from around the world were involved in a wide range of medical and community development projects, all aimed at helping to bring hope and healing.”

One of the areas of surgery in which I was involved aimed to repair obstetric fistulas in women, resulting from prolonged or difficult childbirth, in most cases also resulting in the death of the baby. “Girls are married very young in many African nations. That factor, along with poor antenatal care, poor health and often stunted growth due to poor nutrition, combined with very long labour up to 3-4 days with tribal birth attendants, often results in post birth fistulas and incontinence. Most of these women are then rejected by their family and husband, they are unable to work and frequently ostracized by their village community.”

“Following successful repair surgery to make them ‘dry’, special dress ceremonies are held onboard. There is with much singing and dancing by the women who have been given a new set of colourful clothing to signify their new start in life. I remember one woman who told us she had been ‘wet’ since her first pregnancy in 1980 – that was the year I was married. I just could not imagine how those years had been for her, ostracized, wasted and childless. I had tears in my eyes listening to her story. Now three operations later, this woman was ‘dry’. She was not thinking of the wasted years. She was joyful about her future, singing and dancing with years of joy in her eyes. It was so amazing.”

“Another highlight involved a six-year-old girl who had a big tumour about the size of an orange on her face. The tumour pushed her left eye out. She was accompanied to the ship by her grandmother who was very anxious. Surgery took six hours. Later I went to recovery and grandma was sitting with this little girl. She came to me smiling and hugging me and getting me to dance with her. I could not understand a word she said, but her face shone with joy and thankfulness. The work being done in the countries of West Africa by Mercy Ships volunteers is amazing,” Merryl concludes.

Mercy Ships is a global charity that has operated hospital ships in developing nations since 1978. Following the example of Jesus, Mercy Ships brings hope and healing to the poor, mobilizing people and resources worldwide. The emphasis is on the needs of the world’s poorest nations in West Africa, where the hospital ship Africa Mercy provides the platform for services extending up to ten months at a time…

 Benin intends to make helpful contributions in tackling the global issues

UN General Assembly 64th Session, which has already started since Tuesday, September 15, 2009 at its headquarters in New York, will be marked by Benin initiative in favor of tackling the international global crisis and climate change. It is what came out of the statement issued by Benin Foreign Affairs Minister, Jean-Marie Ehouzou.

Compiled and translated by Alfred Cossi Chodaton

Benin is expected to take part into the annual meeting through a delegation led by the head of its diplomacy, Jean-Marie Ehouzou. According to the delegation roadmap, which was issued on Friday, September 18, 2009 in a press release, Benin is going to express clearly its own views on the major questions that enroll in the agenda of this session by distancing itself from any traditional allegiance to any power.

Among issues about which, Benin Foreign Affairs Minister will have to raise awareness, is the need for increased international solidarity in favor of Africa, through the operational system of UN in order for the continent to deal with the effects of the financial and economic crisis. For this crisis could overturn drastically, the already hypothetical achievements of Millennium Development Goals (MDG) aiming at putting an end to poverty by the year 2015.

Benin will also call on the International Community to assume its responsibilities in safeguarding the planet’s ecological environment threatened by global warming.

In the area of peace and international security, the Minister will have to stress Benin commitment to the peaceful settlement of conflicts and strengthen its good position in among the countries contributing peacekeeping troops.

 As for the issue regarding United Nations Security Council reform, this 64th session will provide Benin with the opportunity to support the African position for two permanent seats and two non- permanent. The session is due to end on September 30.

Benin diplomats protest against the appointment of a new Ambassador to New York

Benin diplomats are to go on strike and make Foreign Office ineffective, if the Government does not backward in its move to promote a retired military officer, Simon Bodéhessou Idohou as Benin Ambassador in New York. In a public statement made on Thursday, September 17, 2009, Foreign Affairs Ministry labor organization recalled to the mind of the Head of State the legal provisions on this matter. Here is part of this statement:

“We have come to be informed from different sources about the appointment of Mr. Simon Bodéhessou Idohou, a retired Beninese army officer as an Ambassador, Permanent Representative of Benin to the United Nations in New York. … SYNDIPAT-MAE calls to the attention of national and international public opinion the fact that although the legation right belongs exclusively to the Head of State, this right has been exercised in the following provisions:

The President of the Republic appoints Ambassadors Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary by Decree supported through Cabinet Meeting, on the proposal of Foreign Affairs Minister, among diplomats, in the proportion of the three quarter at least of the total number of posts of Benin abroad....

In light of what precedes, SYNDIPAT-MAE requires from the Government

1.   Immediate withdrawal without delay of the diplomatic passports issued for Mr Simon Bodéhessou Idohou and members of his family, in accordance with the provisions of Decree No. 2004-296 of  May 20, 2004 …;

2.   The appointment without delay through Cabinet Meeting by the Government, ambassadors, Ministers advisors and first advisors in diplomatic and consular posts of Benin abroad. In any case, SYNDIPAT-MAE warns the Government against the taking of such a measure which could certainly, lead to paralysis, in the next few days, of the central administration of the Foreign Office as well as any Benin diplomatic and consular representation outside.”

Opposition coalition warns UNDP against Government manipulation

In a letter, which was released on Friday, September 18, 2009 members of Opposition coalition G4 and Force Clé, called on the Benin UNDP Representative to act with caution to avoid what they see as attempts from the Government to manipulate this institution on International Peace Day celebration and gain more credibility than it deserves. Here is an extract of this letter:

“We have been aware for some days about preparations for International Peace Day celebration. By complying with this international tradition, Benin gives through these celebrations proof of its commitment to peace that all Beninese have rather promoted, cultivated, and safeguarded since the talks, which marked February 1990 historic Conference of Nation’s Active Forces. Therefore, we fully support all initiatives aimed at preserving peace at all costs and preventing social unrest and conflict.

It seems that this year’s celebration will have special connotation with activities entrusted with strong symbols, which distinguish it from the daily reality experienced, by our institutions and our populations. Indeed, if the events were organized as they are announced, the celebration of this Peace Day to which you are invited by the Government to give your backing would give the impression that Benin lives in an eased climate. The celebration that the Government wants, to use the legitimacy and credibility of your institution, to advertize will serve undoubtedly its deceitful peace campaign, would promote in national and international opinion the false assumption that Benin is ruled by peace loving persons who have sense of justice, consensus and seek peace and work for national concord.

However, as you know yourself, the primary source of tension and disorder remains the President of Republic and his Government. It is President Yayi, who, with his particular vision of power, his forcible manners of proceeding, which generate conflicts rather than dialogue and negotiation, has been in recent years, a serious blow to public freedoms, good governance, peace and democracy. It is President Yayi’s regime, which has multiplied acts of provocation towards associations, non-governmental organizations, trade unions and political parties. Who is responsible for aggressive and abusive statements made by Ministers and other supporters of the regime during meetings and demonstrations? Who is responsible for silencing and manipulating the State media, which serve as support for intoxication and constantly bringing discredit on political personalities holding opinions contrary to those of the Government?

The obvious intention to control at any cost and regulate institutions, which were put in place to insure balance of power, has led the Government far away from political ethics and democratic virtues. National Assembly that the Head of State has wanted to takeover has been and has continued to be subject to attempts to repress and subdue. Constitutional Court has also been victim of unilateralism, absolutism and lack of sense of justice on the part of this Government. The proof of this is the forcible and hasty way in which the appointment of its members was made, recruited in violation of the law exclusively among the most active supporters of the Head of State. All these acts are nothing other than the expression of the intention of President Yayi to silence the High Court Judges and to impose upon them scheduled wrongdoings, but against which our people and its politicians remain vigilant.

How can we consider the celebration of International Peace Day featuring the President of the Republic, without having in mind the catastrophic handling of municipal elections, the forcible taking-over  of municipal councils by the presidential camp and therefore of the entire Nation through contentious results out of the polls? Could one make our people believe that a citizen who, although invested with the highest charges of the State, constantly opposing the application of law is now a peace loving man? Madam Representative Resident, our people have not forgotten what role the Head of State has played in non-installation of communal and municipal councils yet elected.

We simply allow ourselves to remind you that in the imaginary and the consciousness of this people, the President of the Republic is directly responsible for abnormalities, tensions and electoral violence, which marked March 2007 legislative elections and April 2008 municipal elections. These two elections, as if by chance, are conducted under his Presidency. Without any exaggeration, one can say that they are the most violent and most bruising electoral process not only for democracy, but also especially for the unity of our people and for peace in our country. In fact, several opposition activists have undergone pressure and harassment of all kind. Others were unfairly imprisoned. Elsewhere, elected members have been chased away with sticks by so-called protesters manipulated and skillfully incited by the same authorities responsible for ensuring the implementation of the law and the preservation of public order. It is for these reasons that the dimension one makes you to give to this celebration appears offset and disconnected to the reality of our country. What does our country need today? Our country needs a scrupulous respect for law by all those involved in national politics, fore and mostly by the Head of State. Our country needs bold initiatives to prevent conflicts, of which seeds can already be noticed today in the accumulation of frustration, injustice, serious violations of the law, atmosphere of intolerance and manipulation of State institutions.  Madam Representative Resident, what our people can expect from the International Community in general and from the United Nations in particular, does not lie in formal activities combining accessories and speculative symbols that will be quickly used by the governmental propaganda to cause more confusion. What the people of Benin and the overwhelming majority of the political actors want, is a genuine political dialogue characterized by mutual respect, in an atmosphere of tolerance that allows the full and entire restoration of National Conference achievements. It seems to us to be the best elements and the most solid basis on which peace can be preserved.

It is why we distance ourselves from this folkloric and hypocritical way of celebrating this year’s International Peace Day in Benin. We want to build a sustainable peace in our country, based on the values of freedom, tolerance, justice and non-exclusion.

Yours faithfully”

Dangbo Mayor under arrest for charges of embezzlement

Clement Gnonlonfoun who is Dangbo Mayor in Ouémé rigion has been under arrest since Monday, September 14, 2009. He has been held in custody for investigation because of his alleged involvement in a 2.640.000 FCFA case.

Compiled and translated by Alfred Cossi Chodaton

alf2chod@yahoo.fr

Dangbo Mayor was arrested after a row broke out within his municipal council as councilors accuse him of being involved in a corruption case. First, these councilors tried to oust him but did not succeed. The last attempt on the part of these dissident councilors to impeach him did not work. It resulted in failure as the previous. For his overthrow, a majority of two third was required, but only twelve (12) councilors out of the seventeen (17) who make up the Council were in favor of the impeachment. Now these dissident councilors seem to have succeeding in convincing the judicial authorities of his guilt and he has been alongside his Chief Accountant Officer under arrest for days.

However, the Mayor denies his involvement in this case and pretends his signature was falsified and manipulated in an attempt to accuse him falsely.

Even in the media, his arrest has been differently seen. For some, his arrest is a plot on the part of the ruling camp to oust him and take over the municipality. Since his arrest, the town has been in turmoil and some of his supporters have been threatening to express their outrage if he is not released within hours. While, others in the same municipality insist that the prosecution procedure should go ahead.

Mayor Clement Gnonlonfoun and his Chief Accountant Officer were introduced to the Judge Marie-Josée Kpatinvoh, acting on the behalf of  General Prosecutor of Republic. After hearing them, she ordered the extension of their detention period in custody for 24 hours again. It is at the end of these 24 hours that Clement Gnonlonfoun’s fate will be certainly known.

Meanwhile, Association of Ouémé Mayors went to pay him a visit in order to express its support to him. This case involving Dangbo Mayor is the latest of series of events, which have been marking the local governance since the process of decentralization has been started. One thing that is sure right now is that this process has done little in the improvement of the living conditions of Beninese mostly in rural areas as the municipal councils have all the times been the place of confrontation between the opposition and the ruling camp.

The Mayors in different parts of countries have been coming under severe accusations of wrongdoings, corruption and embezzlement but there has not been so far any proven will on the part of politicians to act for good governance at local level. Even the fight against this kind of corruption appears to be conducted with bias. When the time will come to assess this process of decentralization, one has to acknowledge that  the way it has been conducted leads to worsening of Beninese’s living conditions in rural area.

CPS-LEPI General Supervisor, Epiphane Quenum under severe accusations

A row has broken out recently over the way Epiphane Quenum has been administering the Supervising Political Commission of Voter Registry Computerization Process (CPS-LEPI). CSP-LEPI General Supervisor has been coming under severe criticisms over allegations of managing high-handedly the institution without consulting his peers.

Compiled and translated by Alfred Cossi Chodaton

alf2chod@yahoo.fr

Epiphane Quenum is allegedly said to be maneuvering in his handling of CPS-LEPI oversight. According to these accusations, which have been reported in the media, CPS-LEPI General Supervisor has been recruiting the staff of the body without letting the other members be aware. These members, among whom some have decided to suspend their participation in the functioning of CPS-LEPI to protest against what they see as a serious threat to preservation of peace and democracy, accused him of uncontrolled recruitment of cartographers and computer engineers.

Some media even suspect Epiphane Quenum of siding with the ruling camp. Analysts in media accuse CPS-LEPI General Supervisor of planning to manipulate the process in favor of the ruling FCBE of which members, he might sneakily been meeting.

 Considering the importance of this voter registry computerization process, such accusations cannot be ruled out even though there are not so far any evidence to back them. It is why CPS-LEPI General Supervisor in a press conference held on Monday, September 15, 2009 at the headquarters of National Autonomous Electoral Commission (CENA) tried to clear these accusations. Epiphane Quenum dismissed the charges of some of his peers over his high-handed management of the institution. He stated that he has not managed any affair regarding CPS-LEPI in a high-handed manner.  To him, the institution has been run collectively so far and all the decisions that have been made have previously been discussed in plenary and implemented after a majority vote of the members of CPS-LEPI. As proof, CPS-LEPI General Supervisor has displayed some of the administrative documents, which were collectively signed by its members. He indicated that these documents bear witness to their participation in all decision-making process within CPS-LEPI. Deliberation reports and other reports have been shown to convince media professionals that these accusations were groundless. He concluded he does not understand the reaction of his colleagues. However, he would prefer to consider such similar reactions as a warning.

According to him, at this level, there cannot be frauds and manipulations. He explains that if frauds were on his agenda, they could not be put into action at the current stage as the real task, which might determine the outcome of the upcoming elections would be done on the ground, but not at CPS-LEPI headquarters. It is therefore, according to him, comprehensible that, in anticipation of this task, which will lead different teams in Benin cities, hamlets and villages, his political friends have been warning him. He promised that he would consider their warning and make an appeal to them for understandings and good collaboration.

However, given the fact the all the previous elections held in Benin had been marked by post-electoral disputes, many Civil Society activists, ordinary citizens as well as politicians are worried about the upcoming presidential elections scheduled to take place in March 2011. The need for the computerization of the voter registry is therefore something that most Beninese agree on. However, there have been political maneuvers on the part of the ruling FCBE and the opposition coalition of G4, G13 and Force Clé to take over the institution in charge of supervising the voter registry computerization process.

In fact, the process of voter registry computerization cannot be conducted in such an atmosphere of mistrust and lead to elections, which might preserve peace and democracy. Knowing that this process is the only way Benin democracy can be preserved the political parties, both the presidential camp and the opposition should make sure that it is conducted in an atmosphere of transparency and trust.

Although the press conference that CPS-LEPI General Supervisor held was not useless, it is not enough on his part to promise to act in a way that there is cohesion within the institution. He must make sure all the political parties are aware of the way CPS-LEPI has been managed.

Lack of transparency, lack of will to make decision in an inclusive manner can only put in jeopardy the whole process given that the 2011 presidential elections are going to be particular because it is the first time in Benin history political arena has been so sharply divided. Moreover, months ahead of these elections the tension has been so high between the opposition and the ruling camp. Both camps have been campaigning and conducting all sorts of negotiations to forge alliances to insure victory in March 2011.

Therefore, if those in charge of supervising CPS-LEPI were not aware of their responsibility in safeguarding peace, democracy and stability in Benin, then we would better start preparing ourselves for the worst to come. 

 Benin struck by a low amplitude earthquake

An earthquake has been reported in South Benin on Friday, September 11, 2009, around 4:10 A.M. local time while most people were still asleep. Many inhabitants of Cotonou city said they felt at that time the earthquake, which apparently, was of low magnitude. However, residents in Mono region in the West South, in Ouémé in South East and in central region in Zou said they too were taken by surprise by the earthquake.

Compiled and translated by Alfred Cossi Chodaton

alf2chod@yahoo.fr

Though the seism was not very powerful, there has been report of damaged houses in Atlantique region. For most Beninese, the event has been very unusual despite the low magnitude of the phenomenon. This surprise can be explained by the fact that Benin as most West African countries are not used to it.

On State TV station ORTB, in the evening, two geologists were invited to explain the causes of this earthquake. For both, Lucien Ayéda and Dominique Tchalla, Geological and Mining Research Director, Benin is still a safe place on Earth. According to them, Benin is situated under stable rocks and therefore, it cannot be seriously affected by tectonic, magmatic and metamorphic events caused by plates’ movement in other parts of the globe.

 Ces mouvements de plaques dont les phases majeures vont du Devonien inférieur (380 Millions d'année) au Tertiaire (50 Millions d'année) se poursuit jusqu'à présent.
This prompted many to question the reasons behind this earthquake. Benin has experienced earthquake in 1913, in 1939 and recently in September 2009, of course without lost of human lives and important damage to the buildings and houses. However, the danger cannot be ruled out entirely. Guinea Conakry on December 22, 1983 and on February 26, 1984 was struck in Fouta Djallon by a powerful earthquake, which caused 275 deaths and 1,300 injuries

Benin does not have a geological survey institut in order to forecast seismic activities and prevent civil damaged. Specialists who were on State TV station, ORTB to explain the phenomenon acknowledged that they were unable to detect the epicenter and magnitude of the earthquake.

Beninese citizens and local news analysts who reported on this earthquake pointed out the need for measures to prevent civil disaster even though this latest one cannot be cause for panic and fear.

Nigeria: shame on us, as Cotonou is changing (Part 3)

Dele Momodu, a Nigerian Journalist, Publisher and Editor tells the story of his recent trip to Benin:

«Mercifully, Cotonou compensated for the wasted time and money. I could not believe the level of development that has taken place since my last visit during the launch of GLOBACOM Network in Benin. I saw GLO billboards standing proudly in most places. Everywhere looked more beautiful. Roads were being constructed and rehabilitated. Even flyovers that look so heavenly have been erected. Road-markings were seen everywhere. Street-lights stood ramrod on the major streets. Beach-houses were springing up along the coast-lines. The sea-port looked very busy, meaning business was bristling. I saw what good and visionary leadership could do.

All credits must go to one man, President Yayi Boni, who came into power barely three years ago. I knew the state he met Benin Republic. Yayi Boni was then a banker in Togo. He had returned home to cause the greatest political upset in that small country. His first move was to appoint credible professionals into government. He courageously locked his door against the politicians who had brought the country down on its knees. Yayi Boni also fought a courageous war against corruption. I know how difficult it must have been to cause a bloodless revolution in any country. He must have stepped on very powerful toes. But he was more concerned with his name in history. He wanted to make his mark, and leave a worthy legacy behind. President Yayi Boni accomplished most of these things in a country that has practically nothing to export to the world except the brains and talents of his people.

It was such a pleasurable experience driving through the streets of Cotonou. I felt proud as an African and was reassured that nothing was wrong, after-all, with the Blackman. After settling down in the hotel, I went down with my good friend, Oluwarotimi Obey-Fabiyi, the son of legendary musician Evangelist Ebenezer Obey-Fabiyi to the poolside to catch an early dinner. We were shocked to find several Nigerian families. A family had travelled all the way from Niger State. They looked very much at home. They had apparently escaped from the tension-soaked country of ours to savour the tranquility offered by Benin. This confirmed my earlier prediction that Benin is set to take over more of the Nigerian tourists soon. Cotonou is less than three hours to Lagos. More than 40 percent of its inhabitants speak the Yoruba language, and share Yoruba ancestry and culture.

We later met some friends who told us more about the miracles being performed all over Benin Republic. Education is now free for primary school pupils. Pregnant women who develop complications during child birth are now to be treated free of charges at government hospitals. About 600, 000 women have been offered small-scale loans for business under a government-controlled macro-finance scheme.

The Chinese have been brought in to undertake gigantic infrastructural projects. Please, let me add that we've underrated the Chinese for too long by always condemning the quality of their works. Truth is the Chinese are capable of delivering whatever you want as long as you can pay for it. In Cotonou, the Chinese are demonstrating their world-class skills. Cotonou is fast transforming into a modern city. Not that all is now well with Benin Republic. Several citizens complained about the toll the ambitious projects are taking on their country. Such is life. Nigerians are suffering much more. We'll even be ready to endure more hardship but only if they'll lead to visible results.

We were forced to think about our own dear country. It was my conclusion that our leaders must really hate Nigeria. The rape of our nation is with bitter savagery. It is without pity. A leader can only engage in such acts of debauchery out of acute lack of patriotism. Why would a leader award contracts running into billions of Naira without ever lifting a finger to execute it. What meanness could be worse than this?

Most Federal roads in Nigeria have been abandoned for over ten years. None of the Federal projects in Lagos has been touched ever since the seat of government moved to Abuja. Worse still, the Federal Government behaves like a jealous cat in its relationship with Lagos state. Federal properties are being sold off in a most prodigious manner. Lagos has been totally and mercilessly abandoned. The most important road in Nigeria, the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, has virtually collapsed. It is now to be rescued by Bicourtney, a company owned by Wale Babalakin. Why did the government wait this long, and after some kleptomaniacs had stolen most of the money voted for such projects.

For two nights in Cotonou, we saw a serious nation at work and wondered why our own leaders cannot spare us this shame. As we drove back to Lagos, the big shame became even more palpable on our side of the road. We saw heaps and mountains of filth competing for space with human beings. It is incredible how human beings can survive a few minutes in that wasteland. Memories of Cotonou flooded back to us, but all we could do was to pray and hope that one day soon our best materials would be allowed to come to power. There must be a way. »

To be followed !

Diplomacy seems to prevail

Both countries made the choice for a peaceful settlement of their border disputes over Koualou Kourou region by signing in Cotonou at Foreign Affairs Ministry on Monday, September 8, 2009 an agreement, which takes the matter to International Court of Justice.

Complied and translated by Alfred Cossi Chodaton

alf2chod@yahoo.fr

Interior and Foreign Affairs Ministers of both countries reached a compromise of referral to International Court of Justice for a peaceful settlement to the dispute. Bédouma Alain Yado and Jean Marie Ehuzu headed a bilateral negotiation meeting between high officials from Benin and Burkina-Faso involved in resolving the border dispute.

They worked together for a peaceful resolve of this dispute, which has repeatedly been on edge of turning to an open conflict as both countries claim sovereignty over the region. Military operations on the Burkinabe side of the border have been reported recently in the media and have added to the tensions between both States.  However, the signing of this accord, which indicates an agreement on both sides to refer to International Court of Justice to settle definitely the case, should be welcome by the people in this border region.

The disputed area of Kourou-Koualou is now declared a “no man’s land” and a neutral zone until the Court comes out with a decision, which both countries have agreed to abide by. Meanwhile, the border authorities of both countries will administer the area jointly.

International Court of Justice in Hague is asked to determine the course of the theoretical boundary between the two countries in its entirety ie 280 km of border. Both parties also ask the Court to determine and approve the portion (10 km) which they have already reached an agreement upon. In the document, it is stated that pending the decision of the Court, both parties should undertake to preserve peace, security and tranquility in the populations of two states in the border region by not allowing any act of invasion and organizing regular meetings of administrative officials and security services.

This is latest event relating border dispute calls to mind that as in most African States, Benin has been experiencing border disputes with all its neighbors.  One of the most known cases of border disputes between Benin and its neighbors has been the one, which opposed it to Niger over the Ete Island.

The same kind of agreement was reached by both countries, Benin and Niger to refer the dispute to International Court of Justice. In the end, on July 11, 2005, International Court of Justice in Hague decided in favor of Niger. Benin lost the island after over three decades of disputes.

Nigeria: shame on us, as Cotonou is changing (Part 2)

Dele Momodu, a Nigerian Journalist, Publisher and Editor tells the story of his recent trip to Benin:

“I had my assistant with me who was supposed to be an expert on that route. He travels with our magazine every month by road to Ghana. He even turned out to be a novice on this occasion. After going through the Nigerian formalities, with as much ease as possible, we crossed to the Benin Republic part of the border. My brief to my assistant was to waste no time, as I desperately wanted to enjoy whatever was left of the sunshine of Cotonou, one of the quietest cities on earth. I was looking forward to my usual dinner of peppered local chicken (mind you, not one of those fertilized chicken that tastes like paper). This was the real thing, slim, healthy, tasty, and prepared by the culinary experts at the Novotel Orisha.

Oh! That supernatural name. Orisha worship is still very popular among the devotees of heathen religion. It even enjoys an official public holiday in Benin Republic. In case you don't know already, that's the home country of the super songstress, Angelique Kidjo, whose song, Sango, in praise of the god of thunder, remains evergreen. I predict that after Ghana, Benin Republic would become the greatest West African wonder. Once Governor Babatunde Fashola is able to complete his ten lanes to and from Badagry, that axis would witness an unprecedented tourism boom that is certain to threaten the present influx of Nigerians to Ghana and The Gambia.

Back to Seme, and to reality. The French side is one place the officers are never in a hurry. If an officer goes on break, he takes the keys of the offices with him. And walks back majestically despite seeing the long queue of human sufferers. He's the original "baba go slow". You hand him your documents and tell him you need a laissez passé. He scans your documents with a toothcomb. He takes his time before announcing to you that because your car is new you must register with CFA35, 000, and mumbles another mumbo jumbo on the need to pay an extra CFA10, 000 for other documentation. But in reality, you only get an official receipt for CFA5, 000. The guys make all that money for themselves. But can you really blame them? It is the fault of the governments of ECOWAS, who spend all the time talking at ECOWAS summits without coming up with any major improvement to the lives of our people.

Our borders have been left for too long in the hands of illiterates and crooks. Ordinarily, I should be able to drive effortlessly to Cotonou without any sweat. But that's not the case. I believe something has to be done urgently to clean up our borders of human beings who live like pigs in a piggery. The solution lies in privatizing the section to be used by non-commercial travelers. The process should have been computerized in a way that my vehicle particulars can be swiped and registered instantly at a drive-through. ECOWAS citizens should also be able to have machine-readable passports which when scanned allows you to drive through immediately. Government would make all the money, and eliminate most of the corruption. Those who would have to go into offices are those traveling with commercial goods. On that trip I lost CFA40, 000 to those guys. Despite that, one irritant who was obviously drunk still came out of nowhere to block our passage. He wanted his own settlement. Tourism can never thrive under this condition…”

To be followed

G4 and Force Clé go for a unique candidate

Some member parties of the opposition coalition of G4, G13 and Force Clé met on Tuesday, September 01, 2009 at Soglo’s residence to sign a formal deal, which compels them to act together for a unique candidate for next presidential elections scheduled to take place in March 2011.

Translated by Alfred Cossi CHODATON

alf2chod@yahoo.fr

It is a political agreement, which paves the way for a stronger alliance between the opposition parties. All the most prominent leaders of the opposition coalition attended this meeting. Nicéphore Dieudonné Soglo, Rosine Soglo, Léhady Soglo, Adrien Houngbédji, Bruno Amoussou, Antoine Idji Kolawolé and, Lazare Sèhouéto  turned out at this meeting, which is intended to boost and strengthen the bond between them.

This can be seen as a step further towards a unique candidate for this coalition in the upcoming presidential elections scheduled to take place in March 2011.

Opposition coalition, Union makes the Nation (UN), has been conducting negotiations within its member parties for days to work out an inclusive government policy, procedures that assure their union and to outline ways and means, which must lead to the designation of a single-candidate.

Here is an extract of this agreement:

Faced with these serious threats, convinced about the need to resist, to fight and, to safeguard the achievements of democracy and the Rule of law, and aware of the anxiety of all Beninese people eager to live in an environment of peace, the signatories of this Protocol of Union, namely, African Movement for Democracy and Progress (MADEP), Party of Democratic Revival (PRD), Social Democratic Party (PSD), Party of Benin Rebirth (RB) and Force Clé (FC) decide:

1.   to carry out all public actions in the future in an inclusive,  unified and united framework, so as to increase their effectiveness;

2.   to install a mechanism for management and settlement disputes in a spirit of unity and conflicts prevention;

3.   to engage in a continuous process of unification of their organizations which give to all and each one, militants and leaders, the feeling of belonging to a single political unit, and lead in the long term to the constitution of a powerful, disciplined, credible political body;

4.   to set up, just after the signing of this Protocol of Union, working groups to adopt the practical procedures of this process of unification;

5.   to prepare for this political body a document for common  reference, named, “Union and Development Charter”, defining both the principles and rules of its organization and functioning and the inclusive government policy which will ensure the economic and social development of our country in accordance with the need for peace, tolerance, integrity, abnegation and service;

6.   to choose among themselves, according to an appropriate democratic procedure agreed upon by the signatories of this Protocol, one candidate for 2011presidential elections and the presidential elections to come. In this case, the aforementioned candidate represents a government policy resulting from this accord.  Detailed implementations of the designation procedure of this unique candidate to 2011presidential elections  are consigned in an additional document to the present Protocol of which it is an integral part;

7.   to work out for the five-year period 2011-2016, a government policy which ensures political, economic and social development for our country in respect of tolerance, integrity, abnegation and service;

8.   to have their candidates on a single list for 2011legislative elections and the legislative elections to come;

9.   to have their candidates on a single list for the municipal, communal and local elections to come;

10.    to strive to seize power democratically through elections and administer public affairs in respect of general interest and with the constant desire to ensure social progress and to preserve national cohesion;

11.    to work for political and economic integration on our continent in order to promoting a powerful Africa respected in the international community;

12.    to work to get the signing up to this Protocol of Union, of all political organizations, sharing the same strategy, objectives and ideals of this Union. ….

Signing of this political accord has been referred to as a major development in the run-up to 2011 presidential elections. However, many still question the ability of these opposition parties to act according to the recent deal, considering the past bitter rivalries and treacherous behaviors which have marked all the times their relationships. None forgets the some of Renaissance Benin stands in National Assembly that have nothing to do with the line of this coalition. Moreover, many wonder why G13 Alliance did not take part in this meeting since one of his leading members, who were questioned by journalists, said he was not aware of the signing of such an accord.

A Nigerian Journalist tells the story of his recent trip to Benin

“I was in Cotonou last Sunday. It was my first visit to that serene city of Benin Republic in the last one year. The journey was expectedly bumpy from the Nigerian end. That is stale news, anyway.”

Dele Momodu

“For some unexplainable reason, we've not been able to offer respectable leadership in Africa despite our love for the appellation "the giant of Africa." Seme border was as dirty and boisterous as usual. All manner of touts swarmed everywhere. Beggars with varying degrees of afflictions on parade scratched the innocent windows of your car as if with a vengeance. You must be ultimately cruel not to pity these underprivileged members of our society. The story of Seme is the sorry story of our shame as a nation. In fact, the stretch from Badagry to Seme is a disgrace to mankind.

It would probably enter the Guinness Books of Records as the dirtiest place on earth. Bill Gates may realize the futility of eradicating mosquito and malaria from Africa if he ever visits that part of Nigeria. I'm not trying to be hyperbolic. To see is to believe. The swampy area has been flooded in this season of incessant rainy season. I saw a woman and her little daughter crossing the putrid river like ducks into their homes. Any error and they could easily be buried alive without any chance of a trace in this world. It is obvious that the ministry of environment has given up on that region.

The inhabitants themselves must be congratulated for staying alive in that filthy fiefdom, where the police, the customs, immigration, quarantine, area boys, all take turns to traumatize smugglers and non-smugglers alike. The horrendous tales of what smugglers dare to do are actually hilarious. But let's leave that for another day. A journey through Seme is as unpredictable as it goes. It is indeed an Israelite's journey. What should ordinarily take less than one hour may drag on for several hours. The experience must test your patience. And even your temperament….”

U.S. dollar slightly down against West African CFA

Dakar, Senegal - The U.S. dollar fell slightly on Tuesday against the CFA franc of the West African Economic and Monetary Union (UEMOA), according to the Central Bank of West African States (BCEAO).

Compared to Monday's rate, the greenback is down three CFA to 449.5 CFA (buying) and 471 CFA (selling).

The Swiss franc was also slightly down against the CFA, at 432 CFA (buying) and 441.5 CFA (selling).

The euro, to which the CFA franc is pegged, remains unchanged at 655.957 CFA.

Following are Tuesday's exchange rates for some foreign currencies against the C FA franc, as published by BCEAO in Dakar:

Currency Buying Selling :

U.S. dollar          449.50471

British pound      725.50770

Swiss franc        423441.50

Euro                    655.957

African ministers to tackle climate change at partnership forum

Meles Zenawi, the Ethiopian Prime Minister, will chair a high-level session of the 'Africa Partnership Forum (APF)' which will discuss' the immediate concerns and expectations of Africa on climate change', the Addis Ababa-based UN Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) said in a statement, received here on Tuesday by PANA.

Other high-level participants will include Jean Ping, Chairperson of the African Union (AU), Ibrahim Mayaki, the Chief Executive Officer of New Partnership for Africa's Development (NEPAD) Secretariat, Lord Nicholas Stern, Chair of the Grantham Research Institute on Climate Change and the Environment, and Abdoulie Janneh, the UN Under Secretary-General and Executive Secretary of ECA.

The Forum was established in November 2003 to broaden existing high-level G8/NEPAD dialogue to include Africa's major bilateral and multilateral development partners.

Its mission is geared towards strengthening partnership efforts for Africa's development.

Benin gets first Ombudsman

Beninese President Boni Yayi has inaugurated Pr. Albert Tevoedjre as the country's first Ombudsman.

PANA

Pr. Tevoedjre was appointed by the Council of Ministers 21 August for a five-year, non-renewable term.

His mandate includes receiving citizens' complaints against the functioning of the central administration, local governments and public institutions with a view to resolving them equitably.

Pr. Tevoedjre, who was inaugurated on Monday, also chairs the Association of the Mediators of the WAEMU (West African Economic and Monetary Union) member States.

Grégoire Laourou to chair UMPP

In order to ensure victory in next presidential elections scheduled to take in March 2011, the embattled presidential camp has been being mobilized. UMPP was therefore set up in May 2009 but until recently, it has remained without a leader. Now UMPP has a Chairperson, Grégoire Laourou who will get the presidential camp prepared for battle. He was elected as UMPP Chairperson during a constituent General Assembly of this organization, which took place last Saturday in Porto-Novo.

Complied and translated by Alfred Cossi Chodaton

alf2chod@yahoo.fr

It was an occasion for the different parties members of the presidential coalition to give UMPP a leader. Grégoire Laourou, is elected as UMPP Chairperson months after this organization has been set up by the Head of State, Boni Yayi. This constituent General Assembly of Union for Plural Presidential Majority (UMPP) was held on Saturday, August 29, 2009 in da Silva Museum in Porto- Novo.  However, due to the rivalries among the leaders, the choice of Grégoire Laourou was made difficult.

Participants in the constituent Assembly came up with a solution indenting to please everybody and avoid more divisions within of the presidential camp ranks. The governing body of UMPP is made up of two different entities: a non-permanent organ, which is the Executive Committee and a permanent one, which is the Permanent Secretariat.

The Executive Committee made up of three (03) members is elected for a six-month term hence heads UMPP.  MP Grégoire Laourou is the Executive Chairman, former MP Idrissou Ibrahima, Vice Executive Chairman and Candide Azannaï, Reporter.

As for the Permanent Secretariat, it is composed as followed:

Permanent Secretary:  Anne Adjaï Cica (UNDP)

Vice Permanent Secretary:  Timothée Adanlin (FAC)

General Treasurer:  John Félix Agbagnahoun (FCBE)

Vice General Treasurer:  Dah Gbèdiga

Administrative Secretary:  Isidore Gnonlonfoun (PRS)

Vice Administrative Secretary:  Zéphirin Kindjanhoundé (UDD- Wologuèdè)

 Secretary in charge of Organization:  Camille Fagnissè (FCBE)

Vice Secretary in charge of Organization:  Luc Adélouï (MEB)

Secretary in charge of the External Relations:  Antoine Alabi Gbègan

Secretary in charge of Women related issues: Hélène Aholou Kèkè

Vice Secretary in charge of Women related issues:  Léa Akodjèto

Youth Leader:  Ali Houdou Responsible to the

Vice Leader Youth:  John Michel Abimbola

In fact, this constituent Assembly was not only about electing UMPP governing body, which had to lead the presidential coalition to victory in 2011. It was also an occasion for all the political organizations behind the Head of State, Boni Yayi to reaffirm their support and commitment to him and his policy. 

On Saturday, May 16, 2009, at Palais des Congrès in Cotonou over 180 political parties and 150 political associations met to set up a formal alliance, UMPP (in French: Union pour la Majorité Présidentielle Plurielle) which is supposed to assure a clear victory to Boni Yayi in the March 2011 presidential race. The major aim of UMPP is to ensure victory to President Boni Yayi in 2011 and to do so, it is necessary to be prepared and mobilized. Therefore, the event, which took place in Porto-Novo last weekend, can be seen as a sign that the presidential coalition has been underway for victory.

However, many in media question the effectiveness and efficacy of this strategy. Controversies have been reported about this election within the participants to UMPP constituent General Assembly. It is suggested that many UMPP members were in favor of Idrissou Ibrahima candidacy. Analysts pointed out the noticeable absence of the Ministries and other government officials while a persistent rumor indicate a possible cabinet reshuffle.

Labor movements demonstration canceled

A demonstration planned by the major Benin labor organizations and scheduled to take place in Cotonou on Tuesday, July 22, 2009 was canceled. The six leaders of the most representative labor unions indented to stage this protest to voice their indignation about what they see as the rise of corruption under Boni Yayi regime and mostly the alleged corruption case of CEN-SAD.

Inauguration of the HAAC new members

New council of HAAC was inaugurated on Monday, July 20, 2009 at Presidency in the presence of the Head of State and members of other State institutions.

Alfred Cossi Chodaton

alf2chod@yahoo.fr

Nine counselors of the High Authority of Audiovisual Communication have formally taken over. During the ceremony of inauguration, the Head of State, President Boni Yayi congratulated the media professionals for their work and contribution to Benin democracy by serving as channels to bring news to people.

However, he also raised many problems about the profession. He pointed out some of the blunders which mark the profession. He urged the professionals to do something in order to correct these mistakes. He called on the new councilors to help face these challenges while insuring freedom of press.

Among the claims of media professionals are improvement of the work conditions, reexamination of State financial assistance to media, improvement of media relationships with HAAC and so on.

The outgoing President of HAAC is Ali Zato, while the incoming President is Théophile Natta. In his statement, Théophile Natta praised the achievements of the outgoing councilors and promised to work and improve these achievements. Ali Zato, on his part, did mention among the achievements of the council, which has headed, the reorientation of State financial assistance to private media organizations, training sessions to help journalists improve their professional skills and setting up of regional or departmental of HAAC divisions. 

Benin December 11, 1990 Constitution provides in its articles 124, 125 and, 126 that High Authority of Audiovisual Communication is an independent body which assures et guarantees press freedom while regulating its functioning. It should make that the ethics of mass communication professions are abided by and that every citizen, association, political party have an equitable and effective access to State media in accordance to the conditions set out or provided by law.

Despite all the challenges facing the professions, since 1990, Benin press has always played an important role in promotion of good governance and democracy.

For access to all series of Benin Politics articles, please go to http://benin-politics.blogspot.com/ or http://beninpolitics.spaces.live.com/default.aspx