Benin to close 9 embassies and 39 consulates worldwide

Benin has announced it will shut down its embassies in nine different countries in a move described by the government as a review of the country’s diplomatic ties with the affected states.

According to a government official, aside the nine embassies, of which five are in Africa, the country will further close 39 consulates worldwide.

Govt of Benin under Pres Talon=closing 9 embassies,re-calling diplomats that have exceed tenure & cutting 'attaché' positions

— Samira Sawlani (@samirasawlani) June 19, 2016

Meanwhile, three former embassies in Abidjan, Libreville and Kinshasa will be transformed to state consulates.

According to a government source, the heads of the missions and staff who have worked for more than four years will be subjected to early retirement as a means of legalizing their departure.

The closure of both embassies and consulates in a number of countries will affect Beninese in foreign countries. The move will also cut diplomatic ties with the affected countries.

Agencies