Benin schools shut in 10 northern communes over security

Schools in 10 northern communes in Benin will remain closed on Monday, September 14, as the school year begins elsewhere in the country because of security concerns, authorities said Saturday.

Education authorities told AFP there were concerns about jihadist attacks in areas near Benin's borders with Burkina Faso and Niger, where armed groups have been active.

An education ministry source said pupils from the affected communes would instead attend classes in areas considered safer. The source did not specify how many schools were involved.

Parents of children at some affected schools confirmed the move to AFP. Government spokesperson Wilfried Leandre Houngbedj had first flagged the measure on Thursday.

President Romuald Wadagni has made security a priority since taking office in April. Conflict monitor Acled said last year was Benin's worst yet for fatalities among troops facing jihadist violence.