Schools in 10 northern communes in northern Benin remain shut Monday as the school year begins elsewhere in the country due to security concerns, authorities said Saturday. Education authorities told AFP there were concerns of jihadist attacks in the western African state where armed groups have been active in several areas near the borders with Burkina Faso and Niger. An education ministry source said schools in 10 communes were affected and that their pupils would instead attend classes in areas considered safer. The source did not specify how many schools were involved. Parents of children at some affected schools confirmed the move to AFP which had first been flagged Thursday by government spokesperson Wilfried Leandre Houngbedj. New President Romuald Wadagni has made tackling security concerns a priority since taking office in April after conflict monitor Acled said last year was the worst yet in terms of fatalities for Benin troops facing jihadist violence.
