In Cotonou, Benin’s bustling economic capital, migration has quietly shaped local communities for decades. From neighbouring West African countries to Central Africa, people on the move have brought with them diverse cultures, challenges and opportunities for cohabitation. At the heart of this dynamic lies the Centre Sportif Municipal Soweto, where migrants and locals meet, play and build bonds. Tchessi Fassassi, who manages the centre, has become a key figure in fostering social cohesion through sport. Dialogue Migration met with him to explore how recreational spaces like his contribute to the peaceful integration of migrant communities in Benin.
Located in the Dédokpo district of Cotonou’s 4th arrondissement (French administrative district), the Centre Sportif Municipal Soweto is one of many places where Benin’s diverse communities come together. The centre offers football, basketball, tennis, handball, boxing, fitness, dance and other recreational activities.
Tchessi Fassassi welcomed Dialogue Migration amid the sounds of an event being set up at the centre – an everyday occurrence at this lively venue.
As the centre’s manager, Fassassi meticulously oversees a variety of community initiatives across Benin. He leverages his experience to ensure the success of these activities – from networking and outreach to organising community sports sessions (such as football and fitness) and larger events.
“I often ask to be involved in the organising committee of events to ensure that no important details are overlooked, especially details that could impact the success of the event,” Fassassi confides. “Just yesterday, for example, the organisers of this event were struggling with the generator’s power supply. But we found a solution this morning, and everything has been running smoothly since.” He goes on to explain that some communities even maintain weekly and monthly schedules for their sporting activities. He speaks about these with great enthusiasm, highlighting the community’s proactivity and the vibrant atmosphere that defines the sports centre.
Inspirational role models…
In addition to working with Beninese nationals, Fassassi also engages with and supports individuals from a wide range of communities living in Benin, including Chadians, Central Africans, Congolese, Gabonese, Cameroonians, Ivorians, Guineans, Nigerians, Senegalese, Togolese and others who regularly use the sports centre.
Having organised activities at the centre for several years, he is able to recognise the merits of certain communities living in Benin.
“Most of these communities are very well organised and find ways to integrate through the initiatives they lead,” says Fassassi. “Whether it’s blood donation drives, support for orphans or recreational, sporting and maintenance activities, they demonstrate impressive coordination and commitment.”
He highlights several communities that are leading the way in these efforts. “Others should follow their example, after all, as the saying goes, it’s wise to copy what others do well,” he suggests. Fassassi firmly believes that such initiatives promote integration and help dispel the prejudices we often hold toward others; prejudices based on hearsay or unverified stories.
He even extends his message to fellow Beninese living in the diaspora, urging them to integrate meaningfully wherever they are. Drawing on the distinctiveness of certain community-led initiatives and the artistic creativity on display, Fassassi encourages his compatriots to be inspired by these examples as they strive to make their mark on the global stage.
This, he notes, applies not only to sports – particularly football – but also to the arts, fashion design and even culinary traditions, as some communities do by promoting their local dishes. “Interacting with other communities allows us to evaluate ourselves – artistically, culturally and in many other ways,” he explains. “By living together, we learn from others, but we also get the opportunity to showcase our own talents.”
Believing that the old must be woven into the new, Fassassi encourages younger generations to learn from their elders, so they can continue fostering unity among Benin’s diverse communities and preserve the peaceful coexistence that characterises their shared life.
While he acknowledges that leaving one’s home country is not always a positive or easy experience, Fassassi insists that such challenges can be overcome through genuine integration and social cohesion in the host country. In fact, he believes this process can have a ripple effect, i.e., positively influencing the country of origin by promoting peace and development.
“As Beninese people, especially the youth, we must learn from these realities so we can continue to live together and build a better future,” Fassassi says.
