Jailed but unbroken: Beninese youth challenging French influence Activists accuse Paris of fueling instability

The Peoples Dispatch has shed light on the unwavering struggle of Beninese activists against French neocolonial influence in their country. Their resistance is part of a broader movement challenging foreign dominance and demanding true independence. For Caliber.Az readers, we bring you an adapted version of this powerful article, highlighting the voices of those fighting for Benin’s future.

French neocolonialism is the primary cause of underdevelopment in Benin and much of West Africa, insists Parfait Gnanmi, who was released from prison last month alongside Razack Salaou. Both in their thirties and working as motorcycle taxi riders, they are activists of the Council of Patriotic Youth (CoJeP). They were arrested after a demonstration on January 15 at Bio Guéra Square in Parakou, northern Benin, calling for the expulsion of French troops.

This protest was among the first of many against the French military presence in Benin, following a January 8 terror attack by an Al-Qaeda affiliate on one of the country’s strongest army installations, which left over 30 soldiers dead.

The Beninese left and pro-sovereignty activists accuse France of colluding with terror groups to justify its military presence in West Africa. "Benin is now at war—a war waged by French imperialism through proxy jihadist forces," asserts Damien Degbe, CoJeP’s president.

At the protest, Salaou read aloud CoJeP Parakou’s Declaration, stating: "Since the installation of French military bases in our country, our defence and security forces have been repeatedly attacked. We demand the immediate and unconditional departure of French troops." The declaration also called for cooperation with Niger and Burkina Faso, which have seen success against terror groups after expelling French troops.

Following the protest, police raided the office of the motorcycle taxi riders' union, Zèm Sûr de Parakou Association (AZS-P), arresting Salaou and Gnanmi without summons or warrants.

Threatened with torture

"They gave no reason, only saying the central commissioner wanted to see us. On the way, the Tibona district’s commissioner interrogated us about our funding and threatened torture if we did not confess," Gnanmi recalled. Denied the right to make phone calls, they were held in custody for five days and pressed for information on French military bases.

At their January 21 trial, the Prosecutor of the Republic sought three years imprisonment, accusing them of "unauthorized gathering" and spreading false information about French troops. Notably, the prosecution did not deny the presence of French troops but claimed the activists could not prove it. "This itself is proof that French troops are in Benin," argues CoJeP President Degbe.

Expelled from Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, French troops arrived in Benin in 2023. Initially stationed near the Beninese military base in Kandi, they were later dispersed to more discreet bases along the borders with Niger and Burkina Faso, according to the Communist Party of Benin (PCB), many of whose members are also in CoJeP.

This arrangement allows President Patrice Talon, accused by critics of being a French puppet, to deny the existence of French bases. While no autonomous French camps exist, PCB asserts that French military personnel operate from Beninese bases, directing counter-terror operations.

Days before the January 8 attack, French President Emmanuel Macron outlined France’s new strategy in Africa: "We are opening a new security and defence partnership with strategic bases, more training, more equipment, more intelligence, and more contracts."

The court dismissed Macron’s statements as inadmissible in the activists' defence and ordered their continued detention.

Trial and solidarity

On February 18, their trial reopened following a request by their lawyer, Aboubacar Baparape. Meanwhile, they endured prison conditions alongside 150-200 inmates, including criminals and other political prisoners, in overcrowded cells.

CoJeP, student organizations, and trade unions held further protests. Civil society, including the Trade Union Confederation of Benin Workers (CSTB) and the Organization for the Defense of Human and People’s Rights (ODHP), called for their release, while mosques held prayers in their support.

At the hearing, large crowds of motorcycle taxi riders, market vendors, youth, and peasants gathered in solidarity. Police accused Gnanmi of filming an officer during Salaou’s arrest, but they could not produce the alleged video. Baparape secured Gnanmi’s acquittal. Salaou, recorded addressing the rally, defended his right to demonstrate against French military actions. Baparape argued that "one must claim the right to protest, even if authorities refuse authorization."

The court sentenced Salaou to 12 months, with one month in prison and 11 months suspended. Having already served since January 21, he was released on February 21, to cheers from supporters.

"Our fight is noble"

"This trial was arbitrary—a denial of democracy. If the people cannot exercise their constitutional freedoms, then this is not a democracy," Baparape stated.

Imprisonment left the activists' families struggling financially. "I could sustain my family until my arrest," Gnanmi said. "Now, my children have been expelled from school due to unpaid fees, my rent is overdue, and my savings are gone. But my family remains strong because they know our fight is noble."

Recalling a high school pledge to free their country from French influence, Gnanmi and Salaou remain committed to their cause.