Benin is full of talented writers. Through their pens, they express themselves on various socio-political and cultural topics. But before the publishing stage of their works, most Beninese authors have to face obstacles. These challenges, both financial and institutional, often hinder access to a wider audience as well as international recognition of their works.
Wilfried Roland Bognon, philosopher, communicator and couple counsellor, is the author of two works on living conditions in prisons. Through this interview, he shares his experience with us.
Wilfried Bognon: I was jailed in 2019 for 6 months. At first everything I saw in this restocking center surprised me. Pregnant women, children forced to live in difficult conditions due to the “prisoner” status of their mothers. Depriving the mothers of families of the affection of their offspring, homes broken up because of imprisonment. It was there that I was inspired by the experience of female prisoners. The basic question for me was: what happens to children born in prison? ”Under the black sky” was published in 2021 and addresses the living conditions of women in prison. “A Chronicle of Prison Life”, released in 2024 and is in the same direction as the previous one. The third work is in progress and will be published soon.
Without funding, it is almost impossible to publish a literary work. You must be able to cover the costs of proofreading and editing the manuscript. Then you have to deal with the costs of printing the book, media coverage of the launch, and promoting the book. Some Beninese writers often come from modest backgrounds, so raising the money to launch the work is very restrictive. Sometimes you have to ask for loans or grants from people you know.
”For example at the launch of my books, I distributed 56 cards and offered 25 free books to a few people but in fact I only saw 4 people on the day of the launch, he recalls. The other aspect of the issue is that the Beninese do not read and buy Beninese books. ’They prefer works by foreign authors’‘ he complains.
The other difficulty Beninese writers face is the lack of adequate infrastructure to publish and distribute their works. The Beninese publishing market is relatively small, and few local publishers are able to finance and promote a book effectively. Writers are forced to publish themselves, which represents a major investment for the author. The State could make its financial contribution to publications or sign partnerships with publishing houses in order to give more visibility to authors. It is true that works by Beninese authors are introduced into academic programs but I think more is needed, he says.
SRTB: Are Beninese authors present on the international market?
The issue of distribution is still a headache for the authors. There are few bookstores and online sales are not sufficiently developed to ensure the wide distribution of Beneese books. The low purchasing power of the communities does not facilitate access to literary works either. In addition, the translation of works into other languages such as English or Spanish is often absent or insufficient which highlights Wilfried Roland Bognon.
How does Wilfried Roland Bognon’s personal experiences influence his writing?
Time.news Interview: Challenges Facing Beninese Writers with Wilfried Roland Bognon
Editor (Time.news): Welcome, Wilfried. It’s an honor to have you with us today. Your experiences and insights into the literary world in Benin are truly inspiring. To start, could you tell us more about your journey into writing, especially considering your unique perspective from your time in prison?
Wilfried Bognon: Thank you for having me. My time in prison was transformative. When I was incarcerated in 2019, I witnessed the harsh realities faced by women prisoners and their children. It was shocking to see pregnant women and children living under such dire conditions. This experience ignited my passion for writing, allowing me to express not just my own pain but that of those overlooked in society. My first book, Under the Black Sky, focuses on this topic, and my second book, A Chronicle of Prison Life, explores more about the lived experiences within those walls.
Editor: Your books shine a light on critical and often ignored issues. What was your motivation behind addressing the impact of incarceration on families, particularly children?
Wilfried Bognon: The children born in prison and the separation from their mothers are silent victims of a flawed system. My motivation stemmed from the basic question: what happens to these children? I felt compelled to raise awareness about their plight, as well as the challenges that mothers face in such circumstances. Writing became my way of advocating for change.
Editor: It’s clear your work addresses significant social issues. However, you mentioned the financial and institutional obstacles you faced as a writer in Benin. Can you elaborate on these challenges?
Wilfried Bognon: Certainly. The reality is that without funding, publishing a book is nearly impossible. Writers must cover numerous costs—from proofreading to printing and media promotion. Many aspiring authors in Benin come from modest backgrounds, making it difficult to secure the necessary funds. Often, we have to rely on personal loans or small grants from acquaintances to bring our literary dreams to life. This financial strain can stifle creativity and prevent vital voices from being heard.
Editor: That sounds incredibly challenging. What do you think can be done to improve the support system for writers in Benin?
Wilfried Bognon: There needs to be more institutional support for the literary arts. This can include establishing grants for writers, funding programs to assist with publishing costs, and promoting local literary festivals to increase visibility. Creating partnerships between the government and private sectors could also help foster an environment where authors can thrive and share their stories with a broader audience.
Editor: In your opinion, what role do you see your work playing in achieving international recognition for Beninese literature?
Wilfried Bognon: I hope my work contributes to a greater understanding of the complexities of life in Benin and the struggles faced by marginalized groups. Through storytelling, we can create empathy and connections that transcend borders. If we can elevate our voices and share our experiences, we may attract international attention, ultimately paving the way for more Beninese writers to gain recognition on the global stage.
Editor: Your vision for the future is indeed hopeful. As you continue working on your third book, what message do you want to convey through your writing?
Wilfried Bognon: My message is one of resilience and the unbreakable bond of family, no matter the obstacles faced. I want to remind readers that every story deserves to be told. By sharing our experiences, we can inspire change and empower others. Writing is a powerful tool that can ignite conversations and bridge divides.
Editor: Thank you so much, Wilfried, for sharing your experiences and insights with us. Your dedication to shedding light on important social issues is truly commendable, and we look forward to your future works.
Wilfried Bognon: Thank you for the opportunity. I hope to continue engaging with readers and inspiring positive change through my writing.