The municipality of Cotonou, Benin, has launched an operation to remove garages and abandoned vehicles from public spaces, effective Monday, September 21, 2026. The initiative, announced by First Deputy Mayor Arlette Saïzonou on September 18, aims to restore order and cleanliness to urban areas. The operation targets garages and vehicle wrecks occupying spaces reserved for circulation.
The operation is based on a municipal communiqué dated April 13, 2026, which requested the removal of abandoned vehicles and the liberation of public spaces occupied by garages. A 90-day deadline was granted to occupants to comply, expiring on July 13, 2026. The municipality claims to have engaged in a lengthy process of information, sensitization, and dialogue with stakeholders before taking action.
According to the Director of Technical Services, the procedure involved several stages, including information, sensitization, exchanges with concerned actors, notice, notification, and reminder. District and neighborhood heads were also involved in the démarches alongside garage owners and other concerned occupants. The municipal communiqué had already warned of vehicle towing and measures against garages installed on public domain.
The municipality distinguishes this operation from a general eviction, characterizing it as an action to restore order and urban cleanliness. First Deputy Mayor Arlette Saïzonou emphasized that the goal is not to exclude economic actors but to ensure compliance with public domain protection rules. The initiative seeks to preserve spaces for movement, ensuring accessibility for users, including pedestrians, taxi-moto drivers, students, and people with reduced mobility.
The operation's necessity is justified by the need to maintain accessible public spaces. In May 2026, the municipality had evacuated a fuel depot near a primary school in Hlazounto, with police support. This new phase will see municipal services execute announced measures after months of information and démarches with concerned occupants.
The municipal authorities have associated district and neighborhood heads with the process, demonstrating a collaborative approach. This action follows previous efforts to address irregular occupation of public spaces in Cotonou. By taking this step, the municipality aims to balance economic activities with the need for public space preservation.
As the operation commences, stakeholders and residents will be watching closely. The municipality's commitment to enforcing regulations while considering economic activities will be crucial in determining the outcome of this initiative. The effects of this operation on Cotonou's urban landscape and economic activities will be significant, with potential long-term benefits for the community.
Key points
- The Cotonou municipality's operation aims to restore order and cleanliness to urban areas by removing garages and abandoned vehicles from public spaces.
- A 90-day deadline was granted to occupants to comply with the municipal communiqué, expiring on July 13, 2026.
- The initiative seeks to preserve spaces for movement, ensuring accessibility for users, including pedestrians, taxi-moto drivers, students, and people with reduced mobility.
