Benin
Dahomey gained its independence from France in 1960; the name was changed to Benin in 1975. After independence, civilian government did not survive for long. The early years of independence were marked by a series of military coups betweeb 1963 and 1970. From 1974 to 1989 the country was a socialist state, after a coup led by Major Mathieu Kerekou. Against the background of growing popular discontent and two coup attempts in 1988, Kerekou finally conceded to allow a Sovereign National Conference in 1989. This drew up a new constitution, adopted in December 1990. It provided for a return to multi-partyism and a qualified Executive Presidency. The legislature was given the power to call Cabinet Ministers and the President himself to account if necessary. The President does not have the power to dissolve parliament.
The first presidential and legislative elections held under the new constitution took place in 1991. Nicophore Soglo, an international financial technocrat from the south won in the second round. In March 1996, Kerekou reemerged and won the presidential election. He was re-elected five years later, in 2001, amid claims of fraud by the opposition. In 2005 Kerekou announced that he would not attempt to change the constitution in order to stand for a further presidential term of office. In the presidential polls of March 2006 the independent candidate and former long serving head of the West African Investment Bank, Yayi Boni, unexpectedly won.
President Boni has no natural political base, and no stable government or opposition groupings are likely to emerge in the Parliament, at least until the elections in 2007.
Benin’s capital city is Porto Novo. However, the city of Cotonou is the main port and largest city, site of the international airport and most government and commercial activity. Shipments to Lome (Togo's capital and main port) or Lagos are often diverted to Benin because of the reliability of the port of Cotonou.
There are currently no known direct threats to expatriate visitors or residents in Benin.
Benin’s presidential and legislative elections since the restoration of democracy have been judged by international and Beninese observers to be largely free and transparent. They have not been marred by violence.
While the country is generally stable, political events in neighboring Nigeria have repercussions in Benin. Civil unrest in Nigeria and Togo always has the potential of spilling over into Benin in the form of refugees. Also, the illegal traffic of gasoline from Nigeria, where it is cheap, to Benin, where it is generally more expensive, fluctuates with economic disturbances and strikes in Lagos. In 2003 Nigerian authorities briefly sealed off the border between the two countries because of alleged criminal activity across the frontier.
Strikes are common, especially among civil servants. Strikes can affect services at government offices, banks, gas stations, health centers, and public transportation. Demonstrations can give rise to police brutality, and should be avoided.
Health standards are poor, and many serious diseases are present, including cholera, AIDS, meningitis, malaria, and hepatitis A and B. For serious health conditions, several Western governments advise evacuation.
