Benin's President Declares State of Emergency as Protests Escalate

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COTONOU, Benin — The government of Benin has declared a state of nationwide emergency following days of escalating protests that have paralyzed major cities and turned violent in several areas. President Patrice Talon made the announcement during a televised address late Wednesday night, citing the need to 'restore order and protect citizens' as demonstrations over soaring living costs and alleged electoral irregularities intensified.

The declaration grants authorities sweeping powers, including restrictions on movement, assembly, and public gatherings. A nighttime curfew is now in effect across the country, running from 8 PM to 5 AM. Security forces, including the army and police, have been deployed to key locations, including the capital Cotonou and the economic hub of Porto-Novo, where clashes between protesters and security personnel left several injured earlier in the week.

Witnesses reported widespread looting and burning of tires in some neighborhoods as frustration boiled over. Public transportation services have been severely disrupted, and many businesses remain shuttered. The protests, initially sparked by economic grievances linked to fuel and food prices, have grown to encompass broader demands for political reform and electoral transparency following recent disputed local elections.

The state of emergency, initially set for 30 days, marks a significant escalation in the government's response to the unrest. Communication networks, including social media platforms, have experienced intermittent outages, further complicating information flow. The international community has urged restraint from all sides and called for dialogue to address the underlying tensions. The situation remains tense as security forces enforce the new measures while protesters vow to continue their demonstrations.

Benin's President Declares State of Emergency as Protests Escalate

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