Since President Patrice Talon came to power in 2016, Benin has undergone profound institutional reforms, accompanied by political tensions unprecedented in the post-1990 democratic era. This dynamic culminated in the electoral crisis of April-May 2019, which had a significant impact on the country’s political stability and democratic reputation. The 2019 legislative elections took place without the participation of the opposition, which was excluded for non-compliance with the new electoral rules of 2018. Only two pro-government parties closely linked to President Patrice Talon were allowed to participate.
This situation led to the establishment of a parliament entirely loyal to the executive branch, with no opposition representation, and enabled the president to undertake major reforms without any real countervailing power. The constitutional revision of November 2019 was carried out without a referendum or public consultation. It amended several key provisions of the Constitution, such as the introduction of mandatory sponsorship of presidential candidates by elected officials, the reform of the electoral calendar, and the institutionalisation of gender promotion, albeit without any clear binding mechanism. In response, between April and May 2019, protests broke out in several cities across Benin. These were violently suppressed. There were also numerous injuries, arbitrary arrests, the exile of opposition figures, internet blackouts and a marked restriction of civic space.
In 2024-2025, civic space in Benin continued to shrink gradually. The adoption of a new electoral code in March 2024, deemed restrictive by the opposition, and the draft law on associations and foundations submitted to the National Assembly without prior consultation in April 2025 illustrate this trend. Furthermore, the arbitrary arrests of political and trade union figures, the violent repression of peaceful demonstrations and the closure of critical media outlets confirm the fragility of the environment for civil and political rights.
Groupe d’Action pour le Progres et la Paix
