The government of Benin has taken a firm stance against begging in the name of twins, a practice that has become increasingly prevalent in the country. On October 7, 2026, the Haut Conseil National du Vodun Hoxo Sika issued a communiqué announcing the ban on this practice, which involves circulating in cities, villages, and public places to solicit material and financial support from citizens.
According to the communiqué, the ban targets "false mothers" of twins who often engage in this practice, as well as any individual who practices, adheres to, or is a dignitary of the Vodun cult and engages in consultations or rituals related to the cult of twins. The Conseil has warned that anyone found guilty of violating these prohibitions will face the full force of the law and sanctions provided by the texts in force in the Republic of Benin.
The decision to ban begging in the name of twins is part of a broader effort to regulate and oversee the practice of Vodun in Benin. The Comité des Rites Vodun du Bénin has been working to strengthen the framework of the Vodun cult, and the ban on begging is seen as a key step in this process.
The practice of begging in the name of twins has been a source of concern for authorities in Benin, who argue that it can be used to scam or exploit vulnerable individuals. By banning this practice, the government aims to protect citizens from potential exploitation and maintain public order.
In addition to the ban on begging, the Haut Conseil National du Vodun Hoxo Sika has also called on practitioners of Vodun to respect the laws and regulations of the country. The Conseil has emphasized the importance of promoting a positive and respectful image of the Vodun cult, and of avoiding any practices that could be detrimental to the country's social cohesion.
The ban on begging in the name of twins has been welcomed by many citizens in Benin, who see it as a necessary measure to address a growing problem. However, some practitioners of Vodun have expressed concerns that the ban could be used to unfairly target and stigmatize members of the Vodun community.
The government of Benin has assured that the ban will be enforced fairly and that any sanctions imposed will be proportionate to the offense. The authorities have also called on citizens to report any instances of begging in the name of twins, in order to help maintain public order and prevent exploitation.
Key points
- The government of Benin has banned begging in the name of twins, a practice that has become increasingly prevalent in the country.
- The ban targets "false mothers" of twins and any individual who practices or adheres to the Vodun cult and engages in consultations or rituals related to the cult of twins.
- The decision to ban begging in the name of twins is part of a broader effort to regulate and oversee the practice of Vodun in Benin.
