COTONOU: Benin police used tear gas on Saturday to disperse a protest organized by labor unions in the economic capital of Cotonou, protesting against raising living costs and bad governance.
According to local media reports, small groups of protesters had gathered, but police cordoned off the area and fired tear gas to scatter them.
Trader Ariane Assilamehou expressed her intent to protest against the high cost of living but noted the police response, stating, “But you see police rushing towards us and firing tear gas.”
During the clashes, protesters chanted the national anthem.
CSA Benin, one of the country’s major unions, reported on X (formerly Twitter) that its leader Anselme Amoussou had been arrested by police.
Moreover, a union source mentioned that a dozen other protesters were arrested. However, the police did not immediately issue a statement about the incident.
In 2023, despite resilience, Benin’s economy faced challenges such as trade disruptions due to the closure of the border with Niger after a coup, increased inflation, and rising petrol prices, as per the World Bank.
Once recognized as a vibrant multi-party democracy, Benin has faced criticism for President Patrice Talon’s alleged authoritarian approach since assuming power in 2016.
Alban Kelomey, leader of a grassroots health workers union, expressed determination at the protest, stating, “We are determined and committed, and fear of the police cannot get the better of us.”
Kelomey highlighted the challenges faced by workers in Benin, citing high expenses and alleged daily human rights violations under Talon’s leadership.
Benin Opposition Leader Sentenced to 20 Years
Opposition leader Reckya Madougou was sentenced to 20 years in 2021 on charges of “complicity in terrorist acts,” which critics dismissed as politically motivated. The trial took place in the Economic Crime and Terrorism Court (CRIET), which critics argue has been used by Talon’s regime to suppress the opposition.
Madougou was among several opposition leaders barred from contesting in the 2021 presidential election, which Talon won with 86 percent of the vote. Government officials refute allegations of political interference, asserting the independence of Benin’s judiciary.
