Dans un contexte où la méconnaissance du droit freine souvent l’accès à la justice, cette solution numérique se veut un pont entre les citoyens et le système judiciaire, offrant des contenus fiables, accessibles et actualisés. Elle se positionne comme un outil d’inclusion juridique. 

Beninese authorities unveiled a mobile application, dubbed "Justice.bj," designed to ease access to justice services this week. The initiative aims to simplify administrative processes and bolster the availability of legal information for citizens.

The application is now available for download on both iOS and Android platforms. According to the Google Play Store, it has already garnered over a thousand downloads. "Justice.bj" offers a range of features, including a comprehensive legal database encompassing laws, decrees, codes, and procedures currently in effect in Benin. Users can also access a directory of the nation's courts and find practical guidance on various administrative and judicial procedures. Notably, the app incorporates a scanning tool that allows users to verify the authenticity of official documents through QR codes.

"Justice.bj" is intended for a broad audience, including the general public, legal professionals, law students, and those working within the justice sector. Its interface allows users to consult legal codes, understand their rights, and identify the appropriate court for a legal matter without immediate external assistance. The application also prioritizes legal education for the public by providing explanatory articles that aim to demystify legal terminology.

However, the effectiveness of the application hinges on the regular updating of its legal texts and guides. Failure to do so could lead to the dissemination of outdated or inaccurate information. Furthermore, while efforts have been made to simplify legal language, the inherent technical nature of law means that some content may still prove challenging for individuals without legal training, potentially limiting their independent understanding of their rights.

Moreover, while "Justice.bj" seeks to democratize access to the law, its utility is contingent upon owning a smartphone and having internet connectivity. This could exclude a segment of the Beninese population, particularly those in rural areas or older individuals. DataReportal figures indicate that at the beginning of 2025, Benin had 4.71 million internet users, representing an internet penetration rate of 32.2%.

By Adoni Conrad Quenum,

Editing by Feriol Bewa