On Thursday, September 24, 2026, Nathanaël Koty, the Mayor of Abomey-Calavi Commune in Benin, held a meeting with representatives of landowners in the Togbin-Fandji area. The meeting was part of an operation to release the natural public domain and was characterized by a listening and dialogue approach. The Mayor heard directly from the landowners about their concerns, particularly regarding the deadline for releasing the land and measures for their relocation.
The meeting was an opportunity for the Mayor to acknowledge the landowners' willingness to prioritize dialogue and contribute to the country's development. He noted that several landowners had already been informed of the procedure by the municipal and national land services, and markings had been made on the site. However, some work continued, and the Mayor understood that recently informed landowners might seek more clarification and question the given deadline.
Mayor Nathanaël Koty reassured the landowners that the government was close and attentive to their concerns, as emphasized by the Head of State. He ensured that their concerns would be relayed and followed up with the required attention, respecting ongoing procedures and the general interest. The Mayor's approach aimed to find a balance between the need for development and the rights of the landowners.
Following the discussions, an 11-member committee was established to facilitate information circulation, maintain permanent dialogue with stakeholders, and monitor the procedure. The committee's creation was a significant step towards ensuring a smooth and transparent process. The landowners' representatives welcomed the initiative, which demonstrated the government's commitment to collaboration.
The deadline for occupants of houses located less than 25 meters from the coastal lagoon in Togbin-Fandji expired on Tuesday, September 22, 2026. The situation escalated on the following Wednesday, with demolition operations continuing and departures accelerating. The government's actions were aimed at enforcing the regulations and releasing the public domain.
The Mayor's engagement with the landowners was seen as a positive step towards resolving the issue. By listening to their concerns and establishing a committee to oversee the process, the government demonstrated its willingness to work with the affected parties. The relocation of the landowners was expected to be carried out in a responsible and peaceful manner.
The operation in Togbin-Fandji was part of a broader effort to develop the region and ensure the well-being of its inhabitants. The government faced the challenge of balancing development needs with the rights and interests of the landowners. The outcome of the meeting and the establishment of the committee were expected to contribute to a more harmonious and sustainable development process.
Key points
- The Benin government is working to balance development needs with the rights and interests of landowners in the Togbin-Fandji area.
