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Context
Benin is now the coastal country with the highest number of security incidents. This growing insecurity has led to a massive influx of internally displaced persons and refugees. According to IOM/DTM data as of January 31, 2025, Benin had 12,501 internally displaced persons and 13,326 refugees. According to the joint assessment conducted in December 2024, 89% of displaced persons in Benin fled as a direct result of the conflict.
The humanitarian situation is alarming. In the three municipalities of Atacora assessed by the consortium comprising SOLIDARITÉS INTERNATIONAL, Handicap International and local partners (Tanguiéta, Matéri, Kérou), 73% of households have a poor or marginal food consumption score, and more than two-thirds are adopting negative strategies (reducing the number of meals, depriving adults in favor of children). Access to water is also limited: 53% of households consider water sources to be too far away and 31% cite cost as a major obstacle. In terms of shelter, 31% of displaced people live in damaged housing, often overcrowded, compromising safety and privacy, particularly for women.
In a context marked by high protection risks, security constraints on access, and persistent humanitarian underfunding, needs remain critical.
- 14.7 million inhabitants
- 173rd out of 193 on the Human Development Index
Our action
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Mission
opened in 2023 -
Team
8 international staff
17 national staff - Budget 570,000 euros
SOLIDARITÉS INTERNATIONAL has been present in the Atacora department in northern Benin since 2023, alongside its partner Havre de Paix. In close coordination with local authorities and decentralized government services, SOLIDARITÉS INTERNATIONAL has developed a multisectoral strategy to respond to the growing influx of displaced persons and refugees fleeing insecurity on the border with Burkina Faso.
This strategy, based on community dynamics and the capacities of local actors, has three main components:
- immediate support for newly displaced populations, through the distribution of 1,201 multisectoral kits (non-food items, hygiene, food) within 72 hours of learning of the displacement, as well as cash transfers to enable households to meet their basic needs. These actions are coupled with the detection of protection cases and psychosocial support (PSP), carried out by joint SOLIDARITÉS INTERNATIONAL/Handicap International teams.
- sustainable improvement of access to water and sanitation, in particular through the rehabilitation of four boreholes and hygiene awareness campaigns.
- strengthening the resilience of affected populations, with planned support for income-generating activities targeting women and the most vulnerable groups, in synergy with existing cash transfers (from 2025).
From 2025, SOLIDARITÉS INTERNATIONAL plans to extend its activities to Alibori in northern Benin, depending on the needs identified.
Institutional and private financial partners CDCS, DG ECHO
Operational partners Handicap International, Havre de Paix
Our impact
Save and preserve lives through a rapid, multisectoral emergency response
- Rehabilitation of 6 boreholes equipped with human-powered pumps
- Setting up water point management committees
- The construction of latrines in 2 community facilities (health centre, transit centre or temporary shelter)
- Organising hygiene promotion sessions
Responding to basic needs and restoring essential services
- Rehabilitation of 4 water points
- Cash distribution to 4,113 beneficiaries (735 households) in several municipalities in Atacora
- Hygiene awareness sessions led by community relays
Strengthening individual, community, and institutional resilience
- Operation of alert and monitoring committees: 453 alerts verified and followed up
- Provision of two tool kits to water point repairers
- Deployment of the HAACT project to improve information in areas with limited access
Should you have any questions, please contact Xavier Lauth
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