Benin–Haiti relations explained

Benin–Haiti relations refers to the current and historical relationship between Benin and Haiti.

Haiti and Benin maintain diplomatic relations with a Haitian office in Cotonou, although Benin does not currently maintain an official diplomatic presence in the country due to the 2010 earthquake. Benin contributed a contingency of 32 police/civilian personnel to MINUSTAH.

The two countries share an extensive cultural history by way of the Atlantic slave trade and the resulting importing of Vodou as a religious force in Haitian society. The earthquake was followed, among many reactions, by an outburst of solidarity prayers in Benin with the victims.[1] Traditional ceremonies were organized to appease the spirits and seek the blessing of ancestors for the Haitians.[2]

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Africa helps Haiti earthquake victims. Radio Netherlands Worldwide. 20 January 2010. 13 August 2012. https://web.archive.org/web/20100125172410/http://www.rnw.nl/africa/article/africa-helps-haiti-earthquake-victims. 25 January 2010. dead.
  2. Web site: Anonymous. Benin: Voodoo rituals to calm the spirits in Haiti. Radio Netherlands Worldwide. 21 October 2011. 13 August 2012. https://web.archive.org/web/20140303154739/http://www.rnw.nl/africa/article/benin-voodoo-rituals-calm-spirits-haiti. 3 March 2014. dead.