The 2019 Benin protests was a widespread popular uprising and post-election conflict after the opposition was barred from running in the 2019 Beninese parliamentary election in Benin.[1]
| 2019 Benin protests | |
|---|---|
 Protesters burn cars during protests in Cotonou against results of election, 1 May 2019 | |
| Date | February 26, 2019 – July 4, 2019 |
| Location | |
| Caused by |
|
| Goals |
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| Methods | Demonstrations, Riots |
| Resulted in |
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Background
editPre-elections (February–April), demonstrators called for the scrap of a new electoral law, however, a violent crackdown quashed the protests easily. On 1 May, the results of the elections was announced, leading to small protests and rallies in Cotonou that evening.[2]
Protests
editTensions simmered when protests turned into riots after demonstrators came in their tens of thousands nationwide, throwing stones at tanks and the armed forces, who responded with Rubber bullets, Water cannon and Live ammunition in Cotonou, Porto-Novo and Parakou, the three largest cities. 2 were killed over the next 10 days of violent protests. After the president Patrice Talon condemned protesters and the popular uprising, saying it will plunge the country into war, thousands took to the streets in June, the result, Police opened fire wounding several.[3]
Due to the lack of safety during demonstrations, protesters marches ended without notice.[4][5][6][7]
Gallery
edit-
Protesters march on Port-Novo bridge on 25 February -
Protesters march in Cotonou calling for free elections -
Barricades made as tires burn in protests
See also
editReferences
edit- ^ "Protesters in Benin clash with police in post-election violence". Reuters. May 2, 2019.
- ^ "Benin protesters in violent clashes with security forces after polemic polls". AfricaNews. 2 May 2019.
- ^ "Protesters in Benin clash with police in post-election violence". Al Jazeera. 2 May 2019.
- ^ "Benin: Soldiers shoot at protesters in post-election unrest". DWNews. 2 May 2019.
- ^ "Benin: Crackdown on protests and wave of arrests fuel tense election period". Amnesty International. 26 April 2019.
- ^ "Shots fired as post-election violence grips Benin". France24. 2 May 2019.
- ^ "30 police officers injured in Benin protests". AfricaNews. 15 June 2019.