Ouèssè

Ouèssè [wɛ.sɛ] is a town, arrondissement, and commune in the Collines Department of central Benin.The commune covers an area of 3200 square kilometres and as of 2013 had a population of 141,760 people.^[1]

Ouèssè
Commune and city
Ouèssè Location in Benin
Coordinates: 8°29′N 2°26′E
Country	Benin
Department	Collines Department
Government
• Mayor	Firmin Akpo Ibidon
Area
• Total	1,200 sq mi (3,200 km2)
Population  (2013)
• Total	141,760
Time zone	UTC+1 (WAT)

Geography

Ouèssè is located in the northeastern part of the Collines Department. The commune is bounded by the communes of Tchaourou to the north, Savè and Glazoué to the south, Bantè and Bassila to the west, and the Federal Republic of Nigeria to the east. ^[2] The climate is transitional between Guinean and Sudanian types, with annual rainfall of about 1,100 to 1,200 mm. The terrain includes a peneplain dominated by ferruginous tropical soils and hydromorphic bas‑fonds (lowland wetlands) favourable to rice and market gardening. ^[3]

Administrative divisions

The commune is divided into nine arrondissements: Ouèssè, Kilibo, Challa‑Ogoï, Kèmon, Odougba, Gbanlin, Laminou, Djègbè and Toui. These are further subdivided into about 39 villages and town quarters. ^[4]

Population

At the 2013 RGPH (Recensement Général de la Population et de l’Habitation) the commune had 142,017 inhabitants (71,594 men & 70,423 women). ^[5] The major ethnic groups include the Shabè (to the east) and the Mahi (to the west); other minority groups include Adja, Fon, Lokpa, Yom and Peulh, often engaged in agriculture and livestock. ^[6]

History

Local traditions trace the settlement to Shabè migrants originating from Ilé Ifè (Nigeria) and Mahi settlers from the Agonlin plateau. The administrative commune was established during decentralisation reforms; sources note significant historic significance including the nickname “Pays des sept rivières” for the commune due to its many watercourses. ^[7]

Economy

The economy is dominated by agriculture (maize, cassava, rice in bas‑fonds, peanuts, soy), with some mineral resource mention (blue marble reserves) and crafts. Livestock and small‑scale trade are also important. ^[8]

Infrastructure and services

Transport

The commune is connected by rural roads, and accessibility can be affected during the rainy season by river crossings and seasonal tracks. ^[9]

Water, sanitation and energy

Water is sourced from boreholes and river bas‑fonds; electrification exists chiefly in the town area, with rural expansion ongoing. ^[10]

Education and health

The commune has a number of primary and secondary schools, health centres and social development initiatives; the monograph lists educational and health indicators and targets. ^[11]

Governance

The commune is governed by a municipal council and a mayor. According to local sources, the mayor of Ouèssè is Dr Firmin Akpo Ibidon. ^[12]

Culture and heritage

The commune is renowned for cultural festivals tied to the Shabè and Mahi communities, including traditional rites, mask‑making and the presence of marble‑blue quarries in the area. ^[13]