US funds $2.3 million in equipment for Benin’s courts
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on La Nouvelle Tribune
Benin’s Ministry of Justice and Legislation received computer equipment worth $2.3 million in Cotonou on 6 November, funded by the United States. The equipment is intended to speed up the processing of court cases and help reduce pre-trial detention times, according to La Nouvelle Tribune.
Benin’s Ministry of Justice and Legislation received on Friday 6 November equipment in Cotonou worth $2.3 million funded by the United States to modernise courts in northern Benin, according to La Nouvelle Tribune. The equipment includes computers, digital cameras and printers.
The project to support strengthening access to justice (PARAJ), implemented with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), is intended to enable courts to manage their cases using digital tools and reduce processing times, according to the ministry. Minister Yvon Détchénou said all Beninese courts are now connected to the internet and that criminal records can be obtained in three clicks as of 1 November.
The chargé d’affaires at the US embassy, Skye Justice, said that courts operating without obstruction strengthen citizens’ confidence and contribute to a safer environment. UNDP Resident Representative Dr El Hadji Fall called on beneficiary institutions to ensure the maintenance of the equipment.
