The UK government has issued a strict travel advisory through the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) for citizens travelling to Benin, particularly highlighting the northern border regions as high-risk areas.
According to the FCDO statement dated December 8, travel to the Parc du W National Park, including the Mékrou and Djona hunting zones, is strongly discouraged.
“Your travel insurance could be invalidated if you travel against advice from the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO),” the advisory warned.
These areas share open borders with Burkina Faso and Niger, and there is a significant risk of terrorist attacks and kidnapping throughout the park.
Citizens were also advised to avoid the following areas ;
- the area between the Parc du W and the border with Niger
- the Pendjari National Park and adjacent hunting grounds
- all other areas within 5km of the border with Burkina Faso
FCDO on Eastern Benin Travel Restrictions
In eastern Benin, the UK advises against all but essential travel to the region along the RNIE 2 highway, from Tchaourou to Malanville, and extending to the Benin–Nigeria border.
The advisory cites an increase in criminal activity, raising safety concerns for travellers in these areas.
Also Read: UK Issues December Travel Advisory for Its Citizens in Kenya
According to FCDO, the guidance is intended to prevent incidents that could endanger foreign nationals and to ensure that British citizens take precautionary measures while in the country.
“If you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance. Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency,” the statement further advised.
Benin Soldiers Claim to Have Toppled President Talon in Coup Attempt
A group of soldiers appeared on Benin’s state television early Sunday, announcing the dissolution of the government and declaring that President Patrice Talon had been “removed from office,” signalling an apparent coup attempt in the West African nation.
The group, which called itself the “Military Committee for Refoundation”, said it had taken control of all state institutions, with Lieutenant-Colonel Pascal Tigri appointed as president of the committee.
Also Read: Kenya Secures Visa-Free Travel Deal With Benin; Here’s What It Includes
The French Embassy reported on X that “gunfire was reported at Camp Guezo,” near the president’s official residence in Porto-Novo, where the unrest began with an armed attack.
The soldiers seized control of the national broadcaster and read a statement claiming they were taking charge “to restore order.”
Benin’s Foreign Minister, Olushegun Adjadi Bakari, while maintaining that the situation remains fluid, told Reuters that although a coup attempt is underway, “a large part of the army and the national guard are still loyal to the president and are controlling the situation.”
Follow our WhatsApp Channel and X Account for real-time news updates.
