The government of Benin has taken steps to strengthen its disaster risk management and adaptation to climate change. On October 6, 2026, the National Platform for Disaster Risk Management and Climate Change Adaptation held a working session in Cotonou. The meeting, led by Minister of Interior and Public Security Djibril Mama Cissé, aimed to assess the country's disaster risk management efforts and identify areas for improvement.
According to Minister Cissé, Benin has faced significant climate-related impacts in 2026, with 349,580 people affected, 52,583 households, 1,199 villages, and 219 districts impacted. The minister emphasized the need for a comprehensive approach to disaster risk reduction, going beyond humanitarian responses to address the strategic challenges of security, territorial planning, and sustainable development.
The National Platform for Disaster Risk Management and Climate Change Adaptation brings together various stakeholders, including government agencies, technical partners, and humanitarian organizations. The platform aims to enhance information sharing, coordination of relief efforts, mapping of vulnerable areas, and integration of resilience into public policies.
Abdel Aziz Bio Djibril, Director-General of the Beninese Agency for Civil Protection (ABPC), presented a detailed report on the damage caused by recent natural disasters, including floods, landslides, and strong winds. The report highlighted the need for proactive measures to mitigate the impacts of climate-related disasters.
The working session was attended by several ministers, including Georges Ale, Minister of Environment and Transport, Janvier Yahouedeou, Minister of Decentralization and Local Governance, and Édouard Dahome, Minister of Energy, Water, and Mines. Representatives from technical partners and humanitarian organizations also participated in the discussions.
The Benin government has been taking steps to address the impacts of climate change, including the development of a national strategy for disaster risk reduction and management. The strategy aims to enhance the country's resilience to climate-related disasters and promote sustainable development.
The government's efforts to strengthen disaster risk management have been welcomed by stakeholders, who emphasize the need for a coordinated approach to address the complex challenges posed by climate change. The National Platform for Disaster Risk Management and Climate Change Adaptation will continue to play a key role in enhancing Benin's resilience to climate-related disasters.
Key points
- The Benin government has recorded 349,580 people affected by climate-related disasters in 2026.
- The National Platform for Disaster Risk Management and Climate Change Adaptation aims to enhance information sharing and coordination of relief efforts.
- The government has emphasized the need for a comprehensive approach to disaster risk reduction, addressing strategic challenges of security, territorial planning, and sustainable development.
