20 Feb 2018 | 11:02 AM UTC
Benin: Anti-government protest in Cotonou Feb. 20
The Conarab organization, along with women associations to hold a protest march in Cotonou on February 20; avoid all gatherings
Event
Conarab, an organization representing businessmen and artisans in Benin, along with women associations have called for a protest to take place in Cotonou on Tuesday, February 20, to denounce the country’s dire socioeconomic situation. The rallying point remains unclear but the march is expected to end at the Presidential building. Traffic disruptions are likely.
Context
There is mounting discontent among the Beninese population amid what opposition activists see as President Patrice Talon’s poor management of the country. Benin is currently facing a severe economic crisis, with unemployment at its highest point and purchasing power at its lowest in recent memory. Civil servant strikes and protests have become common in recent months.
Advice
Individuals in Benin are advised to monitor developments to the situation and avoid all protests, as violence may flare up without warning.
On a more general note, some Western governments advise against travel to the far north of the country - including areas along the Nigerien and Burkinabe borders - due to security concerns.
