Benin’s Former President Warns Of Crisis

The former President of Benin, Boni Yayi, has warned that the country could be plunged into crisis following post-election unrest.

Elections in April saw record low levels of turnout among voters of 23 per cent after new regulations prevented all but two political parties from contesting the polls. Yayi was among those to call for a postponement of the elections and has since been placed under house arrest amid concerns regarding his health.

President Patrice Talon has been criticised for the strong-handed approach of his administration and accused of moving Benin away from democracy towards authoritarianism. After soldiers fired live ammunition at protestors disputing the polls in April several fatalities were recorded.