The 65th anniversary of Benin’s independence, celebrated on Friday, August 1, 2025, unfolded under a cloud of political tension and diplomatic uncertainty, as both the domestic opposition and invited Sahel allies stayed away from official festivities in Cotonou.
While the military parade and ceremonial events proceeded at the Place de l’Amazone, the conspicuous absence of the political opposition and the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) cast a long shadow over the national holiday.
This double boycott exposed both internal political rifts and fragile regional relationships.
Opposition parties, notably Les Démocrates, declined invitations to attend the celebrations, citing ongoing political grievances and unresolved human rights concerns.
The government’s recent attempts at dialogue, according to the opposition, have not addressed their core demands—namely, the release of political prisoners, the return of exiles, and reform of an electoral code they describe as overly restrictive.
Speaking on ESAE TV, opposition figure Guy Mitokpè explained the party’s position: “I believe that in our place, in the place of the party officials, you cannot do otherwise because while those who currently run the country send us invitations, they continue to violate the rights of a certain number of people within the party.”
He went on to highlight recent arrests: “Less than 2 months ago, one of the members of my communications unit, Mr. Julien Kandé Kansou, was arrested.
Currently, he is being held in the Ouidah civil prison. And before Julien, there were other people close to the party who were brutally arrested.”
Mitokpè also referred to the case of journalist Hughes Sossoukpè, whose disappearance he described as a possible abduction. “We cannot denounce such practices and then just a few days, a few weeks later celebrate with the regime,” he added.
On the diplomatic front, the absence of military delegations from AES countries—originally expected to participate in the parade—was equally notable. Though no official explanation has been given, the no-show hints at strained ties and growing distrust within the region.
As Benin reflects on 65 years of independence, the events of this year’s anniversary reveal a country still grappling with calls for justice at home and shifting alliances abroad.
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