Benin once occupied top position on the short list of African democracies. Today, the West African nation’s democracy is a shadow of itself. Patrice Talon has reversed the democratic gains Benin has made in the past few years. In the name of national security he is using broad powers to crack down on dissent. This article is by Josue Mehouenou with Camille Malplat in Lagos, published by Yahoo News. Here is an excerpt:

Benin – once lauded as a poster child of good governance in West Africa – is facing mounting criticism after two opposition leaders were handed long jail terms in hasty trials last week.

On Tuesday, academic Joel Aivo was jailed for 10 years for “plotting against the state”. Four days later, Reckya Madougou, a former justice minister, received 20 years for “terrorism”.

Both trials lasted less than two days. Both took place at the Economic Crime and Terrorism Court (CRIET), set up in 2016 ostensibly to end the impunity of Benin’s political elite, but which critics charge is being used by President Patrice Talon to snuff out dissent.

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