Paper short abstract:

This paper addresses how in the city of Cotonou strangeness was both produced and refuted during the implementation of a national population census in 2013. It raises questions such as who is counted and who is accountable for construction of categories of strangers in the city.

Paper long abstract:

This paper will address the production of strangeness during a national population census and its implementation in Cotonou. The city of Cotonou is situated on the Lagos-Abidjan corridor and as such is heavily shaped by mobility along the Guinea Gulf. It is the largest and most cosmopolitan city in Benin and is host to a range of West African communities, to whom the stable nation has provided both refuge and trading opportunities. In a context where the informal is the norm, the collection of data on strangers raises both methodological, and theoretical questions. This paper draws on both the quantitative data generated by the operation, and a qualitative reading of how the census was at times contested and negotiated by strangers. It analyses why certain groups of strangers refused to partake, distancing themselves from the census and opposing the state initiative. Finally it reflects upon the data of strangers included in census, and who appear to be better equipped for an urban future in terms of housing, education and employment. Indeed, it would appear in the case of Cotonou that the strangers have an upper hand whilst natives face severe livelihood challenges.