Benin: Constitutional Court rules in favor of workers Jan. 19 /update 3

Event

The Constitutional Court upheld the right of public sector employees to strike in a decision released on Friday, January 19. Despite the favorable outcome, public sector unions have maintained their call for a 72-hour strike that could take place as early as next week.

The government previously announced that it would comply with the court’s decision.

Context

Beninese lawmakers passed a controversial piece of legislation on December 28, according to which public security forces, health officials, and judiciary officials are prohibited from organizing or participating in strikes. Public-sector employees working in education, health, administration, and transportation (ports) launched a nationwide 72-hour strike on January 16, to protest the law.

There has been mounting discontent among the Beninese population in recent months over the perceived poor management of the country by President Patrice Talon. Benin is currently facing a severe economic crisis, with unemployment at record highs and purchasing power at its lowest in recent memory. As such, civil servant strikes and protests have become common in recent months.

Advice

Individuals in Benin are advised to monitor developments to the situation, to anticipate service disruptions in affected sectors, and to avoid all protests due to the risk of violence. 

On a more general note, some Western governments advise against travel to the far north of the country - including areas along the Nigerien and Burkinabé borders - due to security concerns.