Benin: A Model For African Democracy?
“Benin Becomes Unlikely Democracy Leader”
By Katharine Houreld
January 27, 2007
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In a January 27th Washington Post article, freelance African affairs reporter Katharine Houreld praises the Western African country Benin for its transition to democracy and describes how “a Marxist dictatorship once nicknamed ‘Africa’s Cuba’ has become an unlikely leader of Africa’s checkered path to democracy.”

After seizing power in a military coup in 1972, President Mathieu Kerekou reigned over the country for over a decade, making Marxism-Leninism the official state economic policy.  Although his dictatorship survived several attempts to dislodge him, the country’s dire economic situation, student protests, and country-wide strikes finally brought about reform.  Acknowledging the need for change, Kerekou “called a national conference in 1990 of civic and religious leaders, farmers and all the political parties.  They insisted on democratic elections and presidential term limits.”  When Benin held democratic elections the following year, Kerekou lost and, unlike some of his continent’s contemporaries, he peacefully stepped aside.  He ran for president in 1996 and was elected and re-elected in 2001; both elections were deemed legitimate.  In 2006, bound by term-limits, he turned over power to president-elect Boni Yayi.

Despite several peaceful power transfers there are still allegations of corruption and inefficiency; Benin is also plagued by widespread poverty coupled with population growth.  However, Houreld reports that the “Beninese have high expectations of their new president, Boni Yayi.  In the market, people are cautiously optimistic, but say only more sales and a better life will convince them that democracy is the right course.” 

Additional Sources:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mathieu_K%C3%A9r%C3%A9kou