A Beninese teacher, Amoussouke Narcisse, 41, received a five-year prison sentence for sexually harassing a 15-year-old student. The Cour de répression des infractions économiques et du terrorisme (Criet) confirmed the sentence on appeal. The initial conviction was pronounced on June 5, 2025, for facts that occurred in Cotonou, Littoral department. The confirmation by the Criet solidifies the legal outcome of the case against the instituteur.
Details of the Conviction
Amoussouke Narcisse, identified as an instituteur, had been assigned to teach a CM1 class and also occasionally covered a CM2 class within the educational system. The victim in the case was a 15-year-old student who was not directly enrolled in either of the classes Narcisse was regularly assigned to teach, indicating that the harassment occurred outside of his direct instructional duties for the student. The initial conviction, handed down on June 5, 2025, found the 41-year-old teacher guilty of the serious offense.
Beyond the prison sentence, the Cour de répression des infractions économiques et du terrorisme (Criet) imposed a substantial fine of one million FCFA on the teacher, adding a significant financial penalty to the custodial sentence. The court ruled that the convicted teacher must pay the symbolic franc (franc symbolique) as damages to the victim, acknowledging the profound harm suffered as a result of the sexual harassment. This symbolic reparation shows the court's recognition of the victim's ordeal and the non-pecuniary damages incurred. Upon the completion of his primary five-year prison sentence, Amoussouke Narcisse faces an additional three-year ban from exercising the teaching profession. This professional prohibition aims to prevent him from holding a position of trust and authority over children in the future, thereby protecting potential students from similar incidents. The confirmation of the sentence by the Criet on appeal reinforces the initial judgment and the judicial system's stance on such offenses.
Broader Context of Violence
The Institut national de la femme (INF) was inaugurated in March 2025, an organization established with a clear mandate to address issues affecting women in Bénin. The creation of such bodies comes amid ongoing concerns regarding the reporting and prosecution of gender-based violence in the country, noting a societal need for dedicated institutions. A 2022 Afrobarometer survey indicated that a significant portion of the Beninese population holds reservations about the efficacy of legal recourse for victims. According to the survey, 47% of Beninese citizens believe it is unlikely that a victim of gender-based violence will file a complaint. This perception suggests a potential barrier to justice for those who experience such violence, noting challenges in encouraging victims to report incidents to authorities and seek legal redress. The findings of the Afrobarometer survey show the importance of organizations like the INF in building trust and providing accessible pathways for justice for victims.
Institutional Response and Safety
The Institut national de la femme (INF), established in March 2025 to address issues affecting women in Bénin, has been actively engaged in processing cases related to gender-based violence since its inception. Its operational scope covers a wide range of incidents impacting women and children across the nation. By November 2024, the INF had already handled a substantial volume of incidents, totaling 1,797 cases since its inception, demonstrating a rapid uptake in its services. Among these cases, 124 specifically concerned sexual assault on minors under the age of 13, pointing to the critical vulnerability of young children and the prevalence of such heinous crimes. The organization's rapid accumulation of cases shows the prevalent challenges of gender-based violence within the country and notes the pressing need for institutional intervention and support mechanisms. The INF's operational data provides a quantitative measure of the ongoing efforts to address these issues, indicating a significant role in managing and responding to reports of violence affecting women and children in Bénin. The institution's work contributes to the broader framework of victim support and justice, complementing legal actions taken by bodies such as the Cour de répression des infractions économiques et du terrorisme (Criet) in prosecuting perpetrators. The detailed reporting by the INF offers key insights into the scale of gender-based violence and the persistent efforts required to combat it effectively.
