On November 9, 2026, Prefect Jacques Rolland Amadou of the Atacora department visited Kouandé, a commune in northern Benin. During his statuary tour, he addressed recent unrest involving young people in the area. The youths had demonstrated and vandalized the royal palace, demanding changes to a road construction project. The prefect strongly condemned these actions, emphasizing that they undermine social cohesion.
The prefect's reaction comes after a series of events that have raised concerns about stability in the region. According to Amadou, the youths' behavior was unacceptable and contrary to the values promoted by the authorities. He urged them to adopt a more constructive approach to expressing their grievances, rather than resorting to violence and vandalism. The prefect emphasized that the Beninese youth, including those in Kouandé, are generally responsible.
Amadou reminded the youths that there are established channels for addressing complaints and frustrations. He encouraged them to engage with local authorities, such as the mayor, and to escalate their concerns to his office if necessary. The prefect made it clear that he would no longer tolerate such incidents and warned that future occurrences would be met with repression.
The prefect's visit to Kouandé was also an opportunity to stress the importance of maintaining peace and social cohesion in the department. Amadou highlighted his administration's efforts to stabilize the region and promote development. He emphasized that peace is a prerequisite for progress and that his government is committed to reinforcing social cohesion and maintaining stability.
The unrest in Kouandé is not an isolated incident, as the Atacora department has faced various challenges in recent times. The region has struggled with issues such as child exploitation, and local authorities have been working to address these problems. The prefect's message to the youths is part of a broader effort to promote responsible behavior and encourage constructive engagement with local authorities.
Amadou's administration has been working to promote development and stability in the Atacora department. The prefect's emphasis on peace and social cohesion reflects the government's priorities for the region. By urging the youths to adopt a more constructive approach to expressing their grievances, the prefect aims to prevent future incidents and promote a more stable environment.
The situation in Kouandé highlights the challenges faced by local authorities in promoting social cohesion and maintaining stability. The prefect's warning to the youths serves as a reminder of the importance of responsible behavior and constructive engagement with local authorities. As the government continues to work towards development and stability in the Atacora department, the prefect's message is likely to resonate with youths in Kouandé and beyond.
Key points
- Prefect Jacques Rolland Amadou warns youths in Kouandé against violent protests and encourages constructive engagement with local authorities.
