Country Demographics:

• Population:  7.2 million
• Religions: Indigenous beliefs 50%, Christian 30%, Muslim 20%
• Income Per Capita: $344.22 year/ $0.96 day
• Government Type: Republic under multiparty democratic rule
  Chief of State: President Mathieu KEREKOU (since April 1996)
  Note: The president is both the chief of state and head of government

Legal Profession:

• Estimated number of lawyers in Benin is 500
• Estimated number of believers involved in the legal profession is 100
• Unlike some of its regional members, Benin does not have a large Christian lawyers association.  Nevertheless, after participating in the 2002 African Regional Conference held in Ghana, the representatives from Benin better understand Advocates International’s global vision and purpose and are taking steps towards registering an official Christian group. 

Major Activities of Christian Lawyers:

Benin’s lawyers are involved in the following activities:

• Hosting law meetings for Christians interested in AI’s vision of doing justice with compassion
• Fighting corruption in Benin’s civil service system
• Creating a regional network for French speaking Christian lawyers
• Familiarizing Christian lawyers with computer skills
• Creating a web site

Convocation Goals:

• The Global Convocation organized by AI will prepare the Christian lawyers of Benin to be better spokesmen for AI and its goals.  In addition, the experience will allow them to exchange uplifting testimonies and encouragement with other participating Christian lawyers.

Prayer Items:

• God’s help in organizing and developing an official AI group in Benin
• God’s guidance and provision for the new group and the Christian lawyers of Benin
• For the lawyers group to reflect a Christ-like image
• For God to grant the country’s leaders wisdom to govern in His name
• God’s leadership during the presidential election to raise a leader like Josiah

Contact Information:

• Jean-Marc Kodja jkodja@yahoo.fr