French Minister Visits PF Benin

French Minister Visits PF Benin

The French Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs and Human Rights, Rama Yade, recently visited Benin to strengthen cooperation between the two nations.  While in the country, the French Minister visited PF Benin, recognizing the ministry’s tireless work on behalf of prisoners and further spotlighting the need for improved prison conditions. 

“It was an unexpected opportunity which has opened the eyes of the newly appointed Minister of Justice,” commented Samuel N’tcho, PFI’s Africa Regional Liaison.  “Her visit was extremely important to PF Benin’s work in the nation’s prisons.” 

Mrs. Yade, PF Benin staff, the Ambassador of France, the Minister of Justice of Benin as well as leaders of the Penitentiary Administration visited Cotonou Prison.  Located in the capital city, it is one of eight prisons PF serves.  Just recently, PF launched a library at this prison making available books and newspapers to inmates.  In cooperation with the French government, PF Benin provides income-generating workshops in prisons.  Before leaving Benin, Mrs. Yade signed an accord to establish a 1.2 million euro social development fund to finance human rights projects, including projects to improve detention conditions for prisoners.