When Patrice Talon took power in 2016 Benin was enjoying a burgeoning democracy. But Talon who benefitted from a democratic election to come to power has overseen the deconsolidation of Benin’s democracy. Benin has now been downgraded in ranking of democratic freedoms as Talon justifies his actions as provoked by seditious behaviour of political opponents. This media release is from CIVICUS. Here is an excerpt:

• • Judicial persecution of journalists and activists
  • Recent legislative and presidential elections marred by protests, violence and human rights violations.
  • A number of opposition members either arrested or in exile
  • 5th country in West Africa to be downgraded over the past 6 months

Benin has been downgraded from Obstructed to Repressed by the CIVICUS Monitor, an online platform that tracks violations to civic freedoms, including the freedoms of expression, association and assembly, in every country across the world.  A ‘Repressed’ rating means that in Benin there are serious restrictions to fundamental freedoms.

“Activists, journalists and members of the opposition have been threatened and persecuted,” said human rights activist John Gbenagnon. “Harassment through arbitrary arrest, detention, targeted use of legal and regulatory measures and restrictions on finances has become a common experience for many human rights activists and opposition members in Benin.”

Read the full story here.