Comè

Comè [kɔ.mɛ] is a town and arrondissement located in the Mono Department of Benin. The commune covers an area of 163 square kilometres and as of 2012 had a population of 33,507 people.^[1] It was home to a refugee camp for Togolese refugees until it was closed in 2006.^[2]

Comè
Commune and city
Comè Location in Benin
Coordinates: 6°24′N 1°53′E
Country	Benin
Department	Mono Department
Government
• Mayor	Coffi Bernard Adanhokpe
Area
• Total	163 km2 (63 sq mi)
Elevation	17 m (56 ft)
Population  (2012)
• Total	33,507
Time zone	UTC+1 (WAT)

Comè is home to a constituent monarchy, currently led by Togbé Akati II Djidjilévo. Djidjilévo claimed the kingdom covers 57 villages, primarily those of the Watchi community.^[3]

Geography

Comè is located in the south-western part of Benin, north of the coastal communes of Grand-Popo and west of Bopa and Lokossa. The commune includes lagoon-adjacent areas near Lake Ahémé and lies within the Mono River watershed. ^[4] The terrain consists of sandy-gravel plains, hydromorphic soils, and low-lying basins suitable for market gardening.

Administrative structure

Comè is divided into several arrondissements, commonly listed as:

• Comè (urban center)
• Akodéha
• Ouèdèmè-Pédah
• Agatogbo
• Oumako

Each arrondissement contains multiple villages and urban districts, forming the local administrative subdivisions. ^[5]

Demographics

The commune had a population of 58,602 in 2013, up from 33,507 in 2002. ^[6] Major ethnolinguistic groups include the Pédah, Xwla, Sahouè, and Fon communities. Languages spoken include Pédah, Xwla, Sahouè, Fon, Goun, Mina and French.

History

Comè hosted one of the largest refugee camps in Benin during the 2005–2006 Togolese refugee crisis, welcoming thousands of people fleeing political unrest in Togo. The camp was officially closed in June 2006 after voluntary repatriation and UNHCR resettlement operations. ^[7] The commune also maintains a **traditional monarchy**, with Togbé Akati II Djidjilévo serving as a recognized community leader. The monarchy claims authority over approximately **57 villages**, many associated with the Watchi (Ouatchi) cultural group. ^[8]

Economy

The economy of Comè is diversified and influenced by its strategic position between coastal and inland trade corridors. Key economic activities include:

• fishing in lagoon and lake areas
• agriculture (cassava, maize, tomatoes, palm oil)
• market gardening, especially in Ouèdèmè and Akodéha
• palm oil extraction and transformation
• small-scale trade, boosted by proximity to the Comè–Grand-Popo corridor

Fishing communities, particularly the Pédah and Xwla groups, play a major role in the commune’s economic identity. ^[9]

Culture

Comè is known for:

• traditional lagoon festivals
• Pédah and Xwla dance traditions
• water-spirit rituals linked to Lake Ahémé
• a significant Vodun heritage

The monarchy continues to influence cultural cohesion, local ceremonies, conflict mediation, and preservation of customary law. ^[10]

Transport

Comè lies on the national route connecting **Grand-Popo – Comè – Lokossa – Bohicon**, making it a key junction in the Mono Department. Rural roads connect the commune’s fishing and agricultural villages to the main urban center, though some become difficult during the rainy season.

Public services

The commune hosts:

• several public primary and secondary schools,
• a communal health center,
• water supply infrastructure (boreholes, piped systems),
• market facilities serving the broader Mono region. ^[11]