‘Mobility tool’ for fighters: Motorbikes keep armed men moving in the Sahel
In Benin and across West Africa, riders viewed with suspicion as motorcycles now synonymous with armed fighters.
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Benin says Niger oil pipeline not impacted by regional sanctions over coup
On Sunday, the regional bloc had imposed severe sanctions on Niger after last week’s overthrow of President Bazoum.
Stampede during Benin-Senegal football match kills two
The incident happened during a weekend qualifier game between Benin and Senegal for the Africa Cup of Nations in 2024.
Pro-government parties win parliament majority in Benin polls
The two parties supporting President Talon together won 81 out of 109 seats.
Voodoo followers attend the festival in Ouidah, Benin. [Yanick Folly/AFP]
The traditional leader of the Voodoo cult, His majesty Daagbo Hounon Houna II, left, greets the crowd during the festival. [Yanick Folly/AFP]
Every year in Benin, locals celebrate a festival in tribute to the deities of Voodoo, the Indigenous religion that worships natural spirits and reveres ancestors. [Yanick Folly/AFP]
Voodoo, known locally as Vodoun, originated in the Dahomey kingdom - present-day Benin and Togo. [Yanick Folly/AFP]
Voodoo is still widely practised, sometimes alongside Christianity, in coastal towns like Ouidah, once a trading hub where memorials to the slave trade are dotted around the small beach settlement. [Yanick Folly/AFP]
Voodoo followers pose for a portrait during the festival. [Yanick Folly/AFP]
The festival is drawing people of African descent from the US, Brazil and the Caribbean to discover the religion and land of their enslaved ancestors. [Yanick Folly/AFP]
People drive on a motorcycle past the entrance to the city of Ouidah. [Yanick Folly/AFP]
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Benin opposition wins seats in parliament, first time in 4 years
The main opposition party, the Les Democrates, wins 28 seats in the 109-seat parliament, preliminary results show.
New Chinese foreign minister heads to Africa for first trip
The new foreign minister’s visit follows in the footsteps of his predecessors over the last three decades.
Polls close in Benin parliamentary election
The election is seen as a test of democracy as opposition candidates take part after a four-year absence.
The good, bad, and the ugly: West Africa’s big issues in 2022
A recap of top issues in West Africa in 2022, including heated political campaigns and armed groups gaining ground.
US returns Benin Bronzes stolen by British colonial forces
Thousands of Benin Bronzes are scattered in museums worldwide after being looted by Britain in the late 19th century.
The Woman King: The truth about slavery matters
Africans also sold other Africans into slavery. Black filmmakers must stop hiding the continent’s imperfect history.
