REFUSAL OF WEARED BANKNOTES IN BENIN: The Law Faces a Wall of Ignorance
Adopted to harmonize currency circulation within the WAEMU (West African Economic and Monetary Union), Law No. 2026-07 is still struggling to gain traction throughout Benin. While attitudes are changing among informed citizens, resistance persists in the markets, fueled by a serious lack of local communication.
Passed by the National Assembly of Benin last May under the presidency of Joseph Fifamè Djogbenou, Law No. 2026-07 aimed to put an end to the ordeal of accepting worn coins and crumpled or torn banknotes. Intended to combat counterfeiting and protect the currency of the WAEMU region, this legislation formally prohibits the rejection of legal tender on the grounds of wear and tear.
However, on the ground, the situation remains mixed. The Beni Best News newspaper went to meet with citizens of Parakou: between real progress and pockets of resistance, the road to full implementation is still long.
In markets and bus stations, the reflex to exclude certain traffic disruptions is deeply ingrained. The excuse is often the same: lack of information.
Barnabé Dawé, a shopkeeper in Parakou: “Most of the women continue to dictate their own rules out of sheer ignorance. When you tell them about the new regulations, they defiantly reply: ‘Show us where it’s written!’”
A view shared by Martin, a student at the University of Parakou, who points to geographical and educational disparities: “The market women, especially in remote villages, as well as illiterate people, claim to know nothing about it. As a result, they continue to sort and refuse worn banknotes as before.” “Where the law is passed, mindsets change
Fortunately, where awareness campaigns have been successful, there is widespread relief. The end of arbitrary money sorting has significantly streamlined everyday economic transactions.
An economic liberation: “At first, it was a little difficult to get people to accept the change,” says Fabrice Djossou. “But over time, habits have changed. This law has given value and life back to many coins. I am delighted to see how it is now respected around me.”
For Bérénice Awoyo, it is the coercive nature of the law that has made the difference: “No one is supposed to be ignorant of the law, under penalty of facing legal consequences. It is this fear of sanctions that has motivated people and changed mindsets. Today, in my circle, regardless of the condition of the money, no one dares to refuse it.” “
The observation is clear: traditional institutional communication has reached its limits. To reach the most vulnerable segments of the population, particularly rural and unschooled communities, the state apparatus and civil society organizations must shift their approach.
It is becoming urgent to deploy grassroots awareness campaigns: visits to markets, radio messages in local languages, and educational skits. The stakes are high: ensuring all citizens have the same level of information so that Law No. 2026-07 is no longer a myth, but a reality shared by all.”
By Christian AKPAKPA (Intern)
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