Benin’s prison population nearly triples in less than a decade

Benin’s prison population has surged dramatically, almost tripling within the span of less than 10 years. Official figures released on 9 September 2024 by François Hounkpè, Director of the Benin Prison Agency, reveal a sharp increase from 7,358 inmates in 2017 to nearly 20,000 today.

Speaking at a workshop organized by the Benin Human Rights Commission, Hounkpè presented the latest statistics on the country’s correctional facilities.

“We currently have only three civilian prisons and eight detention centers,” he noted, outlining the country’s limited prison infrastructure.

Civilian prisons house long-term inmates, while detention centers accommodate those awaiting trial, those in provisional detention, and individuals serving short sentences of no more than two years.

Hounkpè’s presentation highlighted a critical issue—the severe overcrowding of Benin’s prison facilities. “We have just 11 facilities for the entire country,” he said.

“As of today, our penitentiary establishments hold 19,563 detainees, of which 18,566 are men, 607 are women, and 390 are minors.

This results in an occupancy rate of 298.85%. Our facilities are overcrowded, they are in crisis, and the issue of overpopulation is clearly visible.”

The numbers paint a stark picture of the strain on Benin’s prison system.

The rapid growth in the inmate population, coupled with limited infrastructure, has created a situation where facilities are operating at nearly triple their capacity, raising concerns over the humane treatment of prisoners and the ability of the system to cope with the rising demand.

As discussions on prison reform and human rights intensify, the Beninese government faces increasing pressure to address this growing challenge within its justice system.