The FCWC Secretary General (SG) Dr. Gaston Djihinto led a delegation on an official visit to meet with Benin’s Minister of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries (MAEP), His Excellency Dr. Gaston Dossouhoui, on 28 July 2023 in Cotonou, Benin.  

The visit is SG. Djihinto’s first official visit since he assumed duty in March 2023, and is a continuation of his official visits to each FCWC Member State to continue the strengthening regional fisheries cooperation. 

After expressing his gratitude to the Government of Benin for supporting his candidature, SG Djihinto applauded the Ministry for its implementation of the current beach seine fishery closure ahead of the 2024 fishery closed season.

Other noteworthy points of the discussion included: joint actions (patrols, closed seasons and observer programs); the just-ended joint patrol between Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana; the next FCWC Conference of Ministers; and the ratification of the International Labour Organization (ILO) Convention C188 addressing decent working conditions in fisheries and fishing vessels.