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 he has since consolidated power. Deadly police violence at political protests, arrests of activists, and other restrictions on civil liberties have become increasingly problematic in recent years.

• In March, the legislature approved electoral-law amendments mandating that parties must win 20 percent of votes, up from 10 percent previously, in an electoral district to gain representation in the National Assembly. The amendments also required presidential candidates to be sponsored by at least 15 percent of legislative representatives and mayors across the country, up from 10 percent previously. The amendments, which President Talon promulgated that month, are expected to make it more difficult for new parties and opposition parties to win political representation.
• There were several instances where journalists, activists, or ordinary citizens faced legal penalties for criticism of authorities. In June, three journalists with Daabaaru TV were fined 500,000 West African CFA francs (about $900) and handed suspended six-month sentences after a viewer who called in to a talk show made a joke about police misconduct. The program was also suspended for a month. Steve Amoussou, an activist with tens of thousands of social media followers, was detained in August on charges of inciting rebellion for his posts criticizing authorities; his lawyer said he was taken into custody in Togo and transferred to Benin. He remained in detention at year’s end. A former director general of the national police was arrested on similar charges in November for social media posts critical of the government. Separately, in April, a demonstration in Cotonou against high prices was dispersed by police, and a second planned demonstration in May was banned.
• In April, trial proceedings opened for 42 opposition activists or sympathizers who had been arrested during the 2021 presidential election period. The election campaign had featured the violent dispersion of opposition protests by police. Charges against the defendants reportedly included “interference with electoral rights,” “ammunition trafficking,” and “participation in prohibited gatherings,” and carried sentences ranging from 3 to 10 years; all pleaded not guilty.
• Businessman Olivier Boko, a close adviser to President Talon who had indicated interest in running for president in 2026, was arrested alongside two other men in September on suspicion of planning a coup d’etat.

This report has been abridged for Freedom in the World 2025 due to ongoing budget constraints. Freedom in the World is entirely funded by nongovernmental sources such as private foundations, corporations, and individuals like you. Please consider making a donation to support future editions of this vital resource.

For additional background information, see last year’s full report.