

Benin
Benin had been among the most stable democracies in sub-Saharan Africa, but President Patrice Talon began using the justice system to attack his political opponents after taking office in 2016, and new electoral rules and a crackdown on his political opponents enabled him to consolidate his power in 2021. Deadly police violence at political protests, arrests of activists, and other restrictions on civil liberties have become increasingly problematic in recent years.

Freedom in the World — Benin Country Report
Benin is rated Partly Free in Freedom in the World 2023, Freedom House's annual study of political rights and civil liberties worldwide.
News & Perspectives on Benin
West Africa's Democratic Progress is Slipping Away, Even as Region's Significance Grows
Perspectives
March 19, 2020