Democracy on Paper Doesn’t Always Match Reality
After years as one of West Africa’s most stable democracies, Benin now sees opposition cases prosecuted and protests met with force — meaning your vote or voice may count less than you think.

Safety First? Not Always for Protesters or Journalists
Police violence, media shutdowns and harassment of critics have increased — when security replaces dialogue, citizens lose real influence over decisions.

Access to Information and the Rule of Law Are Weak Spots
Courts lack transparency, budgets and contracts often stay hidden, and the justice system is seen as influenced — when you don’t know what’s happening, you can’t hold power to account.

Regional Instability Hits Far from Home
Violence has spread to northern Benin from neighbouring conflicts, raising concerns for safety and civic rights even in communities far from the capital.

Progress Exists, but Slipping Away
Laws protect rights and gender equality, but gaps remain in enforcement — meaning your formal rights exist, but your lived experience may still be restricted.