Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Edouard Djogbénou
Published on 2024-03-21 11:15:34
In Benin, the Vodun Rites Committee now has a total of ten members, with no departures. The only addition is Koffi Aza, a Bokonon practicing Vodun.
Previously with 9 members, the Vodun Rites Committee now has 10 members. The decree amending the provisions of article 3 of the creation decree was signed on February 28, 2024 by the head of state and the ministers of Economy and Culture.
In September 2023, the surprise caused by the absence of Koffi Aza within this committee generated numerous comments. Similarly, his notable absence on January 10 among the 11 Babalawo/Bokonon during the Grand Vodun Ceremony in Ouidah was noted. It seems that Koffi Aza deliberately chose to show his discontent with what he perceived as being sidelined.
This injustice has now been corrected and Professor David Koffi Aza has been integrated into the committee, which now has 10 members.
The Vodun Rites Committee was officially established by decree n°2023-467 dated September 13, 2023. Initially composed of nine members, it was led by Professor of African literatures Mahougnon Kakpo.
The committee is fully entrusted with the mission of contributing to the labeling of rites, ceremonies, and practices of Vodun convents in order to facilitate their promotion in the tourism sector.
The government has embarked on a vast project of tourist development with the firm ambition of making Benin the “Mecca of Vodun.” This project includes rehabilitation, notably through the creation of the International Vodun Museum in Porto-Novo.
Read the original article(French) on Benin Web TV
