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“Work together to protect lives”: Catholic Bishops in Benin to Government, Civil Society amid Surge in Suicide Cases

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

By Joseph Pronechen

Lokossa, 14 November, 2024 / 6:54 pm (ACI Africa).

Catholic Bishops in Benin are urging a unified response from the government, civil society, and the public to address rising social crises, including an alarming increase in suicide cases and other issues impacting the population. 

The members of the Episcopal Conference of Benin (CEB) who concluded their first Ordinary Session for the pastoral year 2024-2025 on Wednesday, November 13, have in a statement, called for immediate and coordinated action to protect human lives, especially among vulnerable groups.

“Many families continue to suffer under the weight of poverty, lacking even the most basic necessities. Cases of depression and suicide are on the rise, as are incidents of lifeless bodies found in certain areas,” CEB members lament.

They add, “Road accidents also occur frequently on our highways. In response to these alarming situations, our individual and collective responsibility is engaged.”

“We call on the government, Civil Society Organizations, Defense and Security Authorities, and all citizens to work together to protect lives, for every life is precious in the eyes of God,” Catholic Bishops in Benin say. 

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They add, “As Saint Irenaeus stated, the glory of God is a living human being, and the glory of humanity is the vision of God.”

The Bishops commend the government for its efforts to modernize the country, saying, “These efforts are evident in the improvement and development of road, health, industrial, and modern market infrastructures across the national territory.”

“This work, the fruit of the commitment of political and administrative authorities, contributes to economic growth and strengthens essential services for the well-being of the population,” they add.

The Catholic Church leaders also commend the country’s Defense and Security Forces for their “unwavering commitment to preserving the integrity of the national territory, sometimes at the cost of their lives. May God bestow abundant blessings upon them.”

However, the Bishops members express concern about rising tensions within the political class in our country. 

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They pray for a “de-escalation of the political atmosphere”, urging the population to “reclaim its status as a model of democracy.”

To achieve this, the Catholic Bishops in Benin say, “It is urgent that every son and daughter of Benin, regardless of political affiliation, genuinely work for peace and national unity in a climate of dialogue, tolerance, and respect for constitutional rights.”

Reflecting on preparation for the Church’s 2025 Jubilee Year, Catholic Bishops in Benin invite Priests, Consecrated Persons, Christians, and all people of goodwill to “participate fervently in this ecclesial event, which will be a source of grace and spiritual renewal.”

They announce a pilgrimage to the Basilica of Our Lady of Peace in the Catholic Diocese of Yamoussoukro in Ivory Coast from July 29 to August 4, 2025.

“This collective journey to Yamoussoukro will serve as a sign of communion and hope for our local Church in Benin,” CEB members say.

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