Child Begging in Benin: Government Takes a Harder Line in Parakou

Faced with the ongoing issue of child begging in northern Benin, the government convened on October 13, 2026, in Parakou with ministers, administrative authorities, judges, and community leaders to implement a firm response. Nadège Ahoga, the Director General of Social Affairs, highlighted that the problem is especially severe in Kandi, Malanville, and N’Dali, with 4,453 children recorded from 2019 to 2026. The Minister of Family, Véronique Tognifodé, called for zero tolerance, while the Borgou Prefect Abdoul-Chakour Assouma Naro and the Minister of Interior, Djibril Mama Cissé, emphasized repression and denunciation, proposing the signing of the 'Pact of Parakou' to strengthen efforts.