Benin: A Political Pendulum

Formerly ruled under French authority, Benin finally obtained its independence on August 1, 1960, officially becoming the Republic of Benin. But despite newfound freedom from European power, the Beninese government struggled as it was divided into three different political parties, “led by Sourou-Migan Apithy (president in 1964-65), Justin Ahomadégbé (1972), and Hubert Maga (1960-63 and 1970-72), drawing their principle support respectively from Port-Novo, Abomey, and the north” (2). 

The Palais de Congres, in Cotonou (3)

Prior to it independence, and formerly known as Dahomey, Benin’s people were spread throughout West Africa in “host” countries (1). But on the brink of independence, many of these Dahomeyans returned to their homeland from countries like Ivory Coast, Niger and the Congo, for reasons of both expulsion and by choice (1). These returnees were of the elite class - they were doctors, lawyers, teachers, and businessman who hoped to influence their native country for the better. However, due to a lack of infrastructure and economic opportunity, these affluent Dahomeyans brought unrest to their country, igniting rivalry against the middle and working classes (1). 

According to Dossou-Yovo, “the leadership of Dahomey in the 1960’s and early 1970’s swung like a pendulum between North and South, with occasional problems between the southern zones themselves” (1). Without a clear leader in place, Benin struggled to find stability and their economic status further declined. This civil and political unrest and disorganization is evidenced in the number of military coup d’etats that ensued - five in twelve years (1). 

It was in 1972 when Mathieu Kérékou led a successful military coup which led to his rise in power. However, he was less than favorable with foreign relations, primarily with France. He delegated a 12-man military council, with leaders to govern each region of the country and, “in November 1974, Kérékou announced that Marxism-Leninism would be the official national ideology” (1). 

Mathieu Kérékou, in 1972 (4)

Benin’s political situation continued to rise and fall, especially in the late 1980’s when the country transitioned from this socialist ideology to democratization. In 1991, Kérékou was defeated by, “Nicéphore Soglo, a former cabinet member” (2). He then reclaimed office in 2001. 

Kérékou, in 1996 (4)

In 2006, elected president Thomas Boni Yayi attempted reestablish economic and political stability, but it seems Benin’s problems were too great to regain control. Unfortunately, due to intense governmental corruption, Benin continues to struggle today to find success (2). 

Although I have never visited Benin, I wanted to add that its political situation shares similarities with that of Haiti, and I witnessed firsthand the incredible corruption in the government while I lived there from 2013-2017. Haiti, too, claimed its independence, although in 1804, and its governmental instability contributes to the entirety of society, making it one of the poorest countries in the world. From 2015-2016, there was no elected president due to this corruption. Citizens rallied behind leaders for the false promises they made them. Protests occurred frequently, but they were far from peaceful. Road were blocked with tires ablaze and men with guns. Citizens were scared to vote, as voting booths are incredibly dangerous - they are often burned to the ground, and voters can be shot. Coming from a country of governmental stability and where justice is rightfully served, its difficult to imagine this kind of life, like those living in foreign, underdeveloped countries. 

1. Dossou-Yovo, N. (1999). The Experience of Benin. International Journal on World Peace,     

16(3). Retrieved from http://www.jstor.org.ezproxy.liberty.edu/stable/20753219?pq-

origsite=summon&seq=1#page_scan_tab_contents

2. Law, R., Ronen, D., Adotevi, S.S., & McCracken, S. (2017). Benin. Encyclopedia Britannica. 

           Retrieved from https://www.britannica.com/place/Benin

3. Pinseel, L. (2018). Benin. Nations Online. Retrieved from http://www.nationsonline.org/

oneworld/benin.htm#Map

4. Roberts, S. (2015). Mathieu Kérékou, Dictator Who Ushered in Democracy in Benin, Dies at 82. 

The New York Times. Retrieved from https://www.nytimes.com/2015/10/16/world/africa/

mathieu-kerekou-dictator-who-ushered-in-democracy-in-benin-dies-at-82.html