Benin: Calls for 72-hour dockworker strike at Cotonou port beginning June 22

Event

Cotonou port dockworkers have called for a 72-hour strike to protest government plans to privatize the port, with unconfirmed reports indicating Thursday, June 22, as the likely start date for the work stoppage. Operations are expected to suffer disruptions if the strike goes ahead as planned, although a minimum level of service is expected to remain in place. Associated demonstrations are possible.

Context

The government hopes to boost performance by privatizing the port's operations; however, workers fear that private ownership could lead to layoffs. Port Cotonou dockworkers were previously on strike May 13-14 following the government's decision to launch a call to bid on May 29 for the privatization of the public-owned port.

Port Cotonou accounts for 80 percent of the country's economy, and is a main transport hub for West African commerce.

Advice

Individuals present in Cotonou are advised to monitor developments to the situation and to avoid all potential protests.