Government spokesperson Wilfried Léandre Houngbédji addressed ongoing expropriations and displacements in Togbin Daho on 24 October 2026. This public address by Wilfried Léandre Houngbédji, the government spokesperson, served to clarify the government’s position regarding the expropriations and displacements currently taking place in Togbin Daho. The situation in Togbin Daho has become a focal point of recent administrative activity as the state moves forward with its infrastructure goals.
Responding to concerns regarding the coastal project, the Minister rejected claims of mismanagement by stating, "Ce n’est pas vrai." He emphasized that rapid development necessitated government intervention, noting, "Il y a eu un tel engouement aujourd’hui que toute la berge est pratiquement occupée." According to the spokesperson, "Le plan d’eau est occupé, obstrué même." He maintained that authorities were providing support to those affected, adding, "Nous accompagnons. Mais nous avons des doléances." Defending the state's actions regarding land usage, Wilfried Léandre Houngbédji concluded, "Si on ne le faisait pas aujourd’hui, ce serait une fuite de responsabilité."
The government spokesperson, Wilfried Léandre Houngbédji, provided these remarks on October 24, 2026, to directly counter public criticism regarding the handling of land rights in the area. His statements were intended to reassure the public that the government remains committed to its stated development objectives while managing the social impact of the project.
Scope of Coastal Development Project
The Route des Pêches project encompasses the development of the Atlantic coastline across approximately 40 kilometers between Cotonou and Ouidah. The Route des Pêches project aims to develop the Atlantic coastline over approximately 40 kilometers between Cotonou and Ouidah, transforming the coastal landscape through a series of infrastructure improvements. Authorities initiated the second phase of this infrastructure undertaking in 2021. The second phase of the Route des Pêches project was launched in 2021 to accelerate the modernization of the coastal corridor.
Government officials state that the administration intends to relocate current occupants and purchase properties from individuals who demonstrate compliance with legal regulations. The government plans to relocate occupants and purchase properties from those who are in compliance with regulations as part of the formal acquisition process. Regarding financial transparency, the government denies allegations that it is expropriating land to resell it at a higher price. Officials maintain that the acquisition process is strictly regulated to ensure that land is used for public infrastructure purposes rather than for private speculation or resale at inflated market rates. The administration continues to emphasize that the primary goal of these land acquisitions is the successful completion of the Route des Pêches project for the benefit of the region.
