Resumption of activity of ”Go away” : The customs administration on the heels of offenders

The use of external agents is no longer appropriate in accordance with the new provisions of the customs administration in Benin. This is at least what we can learn from the latest developments of the authorities on this subject.. After the Deputy Secretary General and Government Spokesperson a few days ago, it is the turn of the patron of the disciples of Saint Matthew to call the violators to order.

Such a tough-skinned practice, the use of external agents of the customs administration commonly called ”Go away” recently resurfaced in the Republic of Benin. This, despite its ban since the reforms undertaken to modernize the sector. Faced with this state of affairs, the most authoritative voices are already rising to definitively put an end to this practice which calls into question the various efforts of the government to clean up this environment, lung of the Beninese economy. Deputy Secretary General and government spokesperson Wilfried Léandre Houngbédji was the first to step up to remind the Beninese customs agents about the use of ”klébés” in the exercise of their activities. This, after an attack by armed men which cost the lives of two of these helpers who support the disciples of Saint Matthew at an advanced border post with Niger. This was followed by a press release from the Director General of Customs warning against any collaboration between his agents and civilians called up. ”Go away”. In this note taken on Friday 23 last September and which refers to a decision dating from 2016, the Director General of Customs and Excise Reminds his subordinates of the formal ban on the use of civil aid. “Our administration, in its dynamic of modernization and performance, needs more than ever to ban this behavior contrary to ethics and morality in order to restore its image. Consequently, I would like to remind everyone that, in compliance with article 47 of the decree cited in first reference, the use of people outside the administration is formally prohibited,” he insists..

Sanctions in sight …

The boss of Beninese customs does not intend to stop on the call to order. He goes further by warning all his agents who will overstep this decision. The aforementioned press release specifies that the agents who are caught trampling on this decision will undoubtedly face the rigor of the law.. On the occasion of the meeting of the National Executive Bureau which took place this Saturday at the headquarters of the party, Alain Hinkatin invites regional directors to put their strategy in motion in order to help the hierarchy unmask the underworld which is damaging the image of the structure.

Edmond HOUESSIKINDE