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Address “soaring prices of basic necessities”: Catholic Bishops in Benin to Government

Members of the Episcopal Conference of Benin (CEB). Credit: CEB

By Jude Atemanke

Cotonou, 26 November, 2023 / 11:23 am (ACI Africa).

There is need for the government of Benin to address the rising cost of living in the West African nation, Catholic Bishops in the country have said. 

In a collective statement following their first Ordinary Session for the pastoral year 2023-2024 that concluded on Wednesday, November 22, members of the Episcopal Conference of Benin (CEB) acknowledge with appreciation the “many efforts made by the Government to give our country a new face, through concrete achievements such as the improvement of our roads, the lighting of dark areas, and the many construction and modernization projects in various fields.”

While expressing appreciation for the efforts made, CEB members “reiterate our wish that social measures be taken to remedy the soaring prices of basic necessities.”

They encourage the people of God not to “lose hope” despite the economic hardship.

The first Ordinary Session of the Catholic Bishops in Benin examined issues relating to ecclesial, social, political, and security in the West African nation.

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In their November 22 collective statement, CEB members express concern about the resurgence of cases of insecurity in certain localities of the country.

They caution law enforcement agents against losing “guard, especially in this end of year period”  and urge them to put in place measures “to allow our citizens to freely go about their daily occupations, for peace of mind is the fundamental guarantee of all development.”

Reflecting on the October 4-29 XVI Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops in Rome, Catholic Bishops in Benin express gratitude to God for results of this first session of the Synod.

They invite the people of God to “continue praying for a successful continuation of the work scheduled to end in October 2024.”

“May the final results contribute to the growth and development of the Church, our Mother,” CEB members implore in their November 22 collective statement issued at the end of their three-day meeting in Benin’s Djougou Diocese.

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They add, “The universal Church has begun its march towards the celebration of the Grand Jubilee of the Year 2025 with the overall theme: Pilgrims of Hope.” 

“As a prelude, the year 2024 has been designated the ‘Year of Prayer’”, the Catholic Bishops in Benin say, and invite “all parish leaders, movements, chaplains, prayer groups, Catholic associations and religious institutes to take concrete initiatives to better live this preparatory year.”

They add, “A major national pilgrimage to the Basilica of Our Lady of Peace in Yamoussoukro, Ivory Coast, is also planned to mark the jubilee year.”

“May every citizen work for peace in the world, in our country and in our families,” CEB members implore.

Jude Atemanke

Jude Atemanke is a Cameroonian journalist with a passion for Catholic Church communication. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism and Mass Communication from the University of Buea in Cameroon. Currently, Jude serves as a journalist for ACI Africa.

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