Benin/4th EDITION OF GRIOT DAY FOR PEACE: BORGOU MOBILIZES TRADITIONAL VOICES AGAINST VIOLENT EXTREMISM
On November 27 and 28, 2026, Parakou and Tchaourou will host the fourth edition of the Griots’ Day for Peace and the Prevention of Violent Extremism. Initiated by the Association for the Development of the Borgou Municipalities (ADECOB), this event aims to highlight the role of griots and communities in peacebuilding and conflict prevention.
Under the theme “The Voices of the Griots and Community Engagement for Lasting Peace in the Borgou-Kwara Region,” this event will bring together administrative, municipal, and traditional authorities; cultural leaders; community representatives from Benin and Nigeria; as well as technical and financial partners.
Over the course of two days, participants will explore mechanisms for collaboration between community and traditional leaders to prevent conflicts, strengthen social cohesion, and promote peaceful coexistence.
Two days of dialogue and community mobilization
On Friday, November 27, activities will take place at the Kobourou City Hotel in Parakou, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. On the agenda: an opening ceremony, an inaugural conference, panel discussions, a presentation of the results of the cross-border consultation, followed by the adoption and signing of a declaration of commitments.
On Saturday, November 28, starting at 9:00 a.m., activities will continue in Tchaourou with a public presentation of this declaration and cultural events dedicated to peace.
Through this initiative, ADECOB aims to use the voices of the griots as a tool for raising awareness and mobilizing citizens. As custodians of memory, traditions, and community values, the griots are called upon to contribute more to spreading messages of peace—particularly in local languages—among the people.
This fourth edition thus aims to consolidate the communities’ commitments and strengthen cooperation between stakeholders in Benin and Nigeria in support of lasting peace in the Borgou-Kwara region.
