The municipal authorities of Cotonou, Benin, have launched an operation to restore public spaces in the city, with the first phase commencing on September 21, 2026. This initiative aims to liberate public spaces that have been illegally occupied by garages, abandoned vehicles, and other structures. The operation is part of a broader effort to make Cotonou a city where public spaces are effectively public and accessible to all.
Prior to the launch of the operation, the municipal authorities conducted phases of information, sensitization, and dialogue with stakeholders. On September 18, 2026, the First Deputy Mayor, Arlette Bello Epse Saïzonou, assisted by the Director of Technical Services and the Deputy Director of Municipal Police, held a press conference to explain the details of the operation. The authorities emphasized that the goal is not to harass or intimidate essential actors in the city's economy but to restore order and cleanliness to public spaces.
The operation will focus on removing garages and structures that have been installed on public roads, which is the first phase of a series of operations aimed at liberating public spaces. The municipal authorities have adopted a gradual approach, which includes informing, sensitizing, dialoguing, and accompanying stakeholders, and, when necessary, enforcing the rules. The authorities believe that this operation will help to restore normal circulation, strengthen security, and give public spaces their primary purpose.
According to the Director of Technical Services, Urbain Kpatchia, the approach of the municipal authorities is to work gradually and ensure that stakeholders are aware of the operation and its objectives. The authorities have called on stakeholders to take responsibility and comply with the rules, and have invited the population to support this initiative. The municipal authorities aim to progressively restore normal conditions for circulation and use of public spaces, while respecting the rules and responsibilities.
The First Deputy Mayor, Arlette Bello Epse Saïzonou, has emphasized that the operation is part of a broader effort to change the way the city is managed and viewed. She believes that liberating public spaces occupied by abandoned vehicles, carcasses, and irregularly installed garages will help to restore the city's appearance and functionality. The authorities are convinced that this operation will have a positive impact on the city's development and quality of life.
The municipal authorities have appealed to stakeholders and the population to support this initiative, which aims to protect public spaces as a common heritage. The authorities believe that this operation will help to promote a culture of respect for public spaces and the rules that govern their use. By working together, the authorities hope to create a city where public spaces are effectively public and accessible to all.
The operation to restore public spaces in Cotonou is part of a broader effort to improve the city's infrastructure and services. The municipal authorities are committed to working with stakeholders and the population to achieve this goal and create a better living environment for the city's residents. The success of this operation will depend on the collaboration and support of all stakeholders.
Key points
- The operation aims to restore public spaces in Cotonou by removing illegally installed structures and abandoned vehicles.
- The municipal authorities have adopted a gradual approach, which includes informing, sensitizing, dialoguing, and accompanying stakeholders.
- The operation is part of a broader effort to change the way the city is managed and viewed, and to promote a culture of respect for public spaces.
