On Thursday, September 24, 2026, occupants near the RNIE 2 in Savè were invited to clear public spaces as Mayor Rafiou Challa conducted a sensitization tour between the bus stop and the Oryx station. The municipality stated its intention to prevent traffic risks and improve the living environment in the area. Mayor Rafiou Challa specifically asked concerned individuals to remove their activities and preserve cleared spaces on the RNIE 2. This proactive approach aims to ensure that public infrastructure remains accessible and safe for all. The municipality is urging merchants and other occupants not to repossess spaces that have already been cleared, according to municipal statements, showing a commitment to long-term adherence.
Roadside Reoccupation Concerns
The Savè municipal action is presented not as a new eviction operation, but as a sensitization effort aimed at preventing the reoccupation of public spaces. The municipality asserts that the occupation of roadsides reduces available space for users and complicates movement within the area, posing significant challenges to urban mobility. This sensitization campaign also addresses public cleanliness, urging residents not to use public spaces for garbage disposal. This call for responsible waste management is part of a broader effort to enhance the overall living environment. Concurrently, the commune is implementing a new household waste collection system in the Plateau arrondissement, which has been entrusted to a non-governmental organization, marking a step towards improved sanitation services.
RNIE 2 Reconstruction Context
The RNIE 2 is currently undergoing significant reconstruction efforts, a critical development for regional infrastructure. On September 9, 2026, the Beninese government, in collaboration with the Millennium Challenge Corporation, officially initiated the reconstruction of the Sètto-Dassa-Zoumè axis, a stretch spanning 39.45 kilometers. This full project includes several key developments designed to modernize the infrastructure and enhance its capacity.
The reconstruction plan for the Sètto-Dassa-Zoumè axis involves widening the road to 2x2 lanes, significantly enhancing traffic flow and capacity to accommodate growing transportation demands. Additionally, a second bridge is slated for construction over the Zou River to further improve connectivity and reduce transit times. The project also incorporates the installation of a modern toll and weighing station, aiming to streamline operations, ensure compliance with vehicle weight regulations, and contribute to road maintenance funding. This vital artery, the RNIE 2, serves as a key link, connecting multiple cities across Benin and functioning as a major corridor between the southern commercial hub of Cotonou and the northern regions of the country, facilitating trade and movement. Beyond the Sètto-Dassa-Zoumè section, the Cotonou-Allada-Bohicon-Dassa section is also part of the state's broader reconstruction initiatives, with plans to expand it to 2x2 lanes as well, indicating a nationwide commitment to infrastructure development.
Cotonou Precedent and Actions
The mayor's office of Cotonou initiated the operational phases of its public space liberation device on September 21, 2026. This action specifically targeted garages located on road rights-of-way, along with wrecks and abandoned vehicles, which often obstruct public thoroughfares. Before the operational phase, Cotonou's municipality issued communiqué n°13 on April 13, and conducted several months of information and sensitization campaigns, ensuring residents and businesses were adequately informed of the upcoming changes. On the first day of intervention in Cotonou, municipal agents impounded 19 wrecks and irregularly parked vehicles, transporting them to the communal pound. The communal pound itself had been established just days prior to the operation through a municipal decree, providing a designated facility for impounded items.