Benin Elections 2026: Human Rights Groups Urge Candidates to Prioritize Freedoms and Justice
As Benin prepares for a crucial election cycle in 2026 – legislative and municipal elections on January 11th, followed by the presidential election on April 12th – a coalition of human rights organizations is calling on all candidates to make the protection and promotion of human rights a central pillar of their platforms. Amnesty International, alongside 13 Beninese civil society organizations, have jointly published a manifesto outlining key priorities for incoming authorities, focusing on a shrinking civic space, systemic discrimination, and deficiencies in the justice system.
A Shrinking Civic Space: Freedom of Expression Under threat
The manifesto highlights a worrying trend in Benin: a tightening grip on civic freedoms. “Civic space continues to shrink in Benin wiht a wave of attacks on autonomous media outlets and people still being arbitrarily arrested and detained for dissent,” states Dieudonné Dagbéto, Executive director of Amnesty International Benin. This concern is rooted in the request of the country’s Digital Code, which has been used to suspend several newspapers and websites for publishing facts deemed ‘false’ or engaging in ‘harassment through electronic communications’.
Human rights advocates argue that these provisions are overly broad and stifle legitimate reporting and online expression.They urge a revision of the Digital Code to align with international human rights standards, notably those outlined in Benin’s recommendations from its last Universal Periodic Review.A Universal Periodic Review (UPR) is a process through which the Human Rights Council assesses the human rights records of all UN Member States.
Beyond the digital sphere, the right to peaceful assembly is also under pressure. Authorities continue to disproportionately restrict protests, prohibiting “any unarmed gathering that could disturb public peace” – a clause critics say is used to broadly ban peaceful demonstrations. Reports indicate that security forces have responded to protests with excessive force and arbitrary arrests, demanding prompt investigations and the release of those unjustly detained. Families of individuals allegedly killed by security forces during 2019 protests remain without justice, highlighting the need for a revision of the 2019 amnesty law to ensure accountability.
Prison Conditions and Access to Justice: Urgent Areas for Reform
The manifesto also addresses the dire conditions in Benin’s prisons. Despite efforts by the authorities, overcrowding remains a meaningful problem, with prisoners often sleeping in overcrowded and unsanitary cells. Recommendations include prioritizing pretrial detention as a last resort, expediting judicial proceedings, and enforcing alternative sentencing options for minor offenses to alleviate overcrowding. Moreover, improving access to essential services like drinking water, sanitation, and healthcare – including qualified medical staff – is paramount, alongside comprehensive investigations into allegations of torture and ill-treatment.
Access to justice itself is compromised by the arbitrary detention of opposition political figures, a practice confirmed by the United Nations Working Group on Arbitrary Detention. The organizations call for an immediate end to these practices and the release of all detainees held without legal justification or in violation of human rights. Strengthening legal aid programs and restoring the jurisdiction of the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights to directly hear complaints from individuals and NGOs are crucial steps towards improving justice for all.
Addressing Systemic discrimination and Vulnerable Groups
The manifesto doesn’t shy away from addressing systemic inequalities. Women are significantly underrepresented in political leadership, parliament, and senior management, necessitating urgent measures to promote gender equality. Moreover, the needs of persons with disabilities are not being adequately met. The Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities highlighted insufficient access to health and education services for this vulnerable population in 2024. The organizations recommend investments in training teachers in sign language, establishing specialized centers for children with intellectual disabilities, and supporting existing private centers.
Protecting Displaced Populations and Upholding Economic and Social Rights
The escalating conflict in the Central Sahel region has led to a humanitarian crisis in Benin, with 27,294 internally displaced persons and 30,540 refugees and asylum seekers registered as of November 2025, according to the UNHCR. these populations,often deprived of their livelihoods,require effective protection and access to basic services. The incoming authorities are urged to uphold their international obligations and coordinate humanitarian assistance effectively.
the manifesto draws attention to the issue of forced evictions linked to growth projects. Since 2021, thousands have been forcibly displaced without adequate compensation or resettlement options . Furthermore, concerning cases of women being detained in hospitals for unpaid medical bills, despite a 2021 Constitutional Court ruling against the practice, have been documented . The organizations advocate for fair compensation for eviction victims, alongside accessible maternity care and an end to the unlawful detention of patients.
Restrictions on the right to strike, particularly in the health sector, also feature prominently. The organizations call for a revision of laws limiting this fundamental right, allowing restrictions only in essential services and ensuring workers can exercise this right without undue limitations.
“Our recommendations are not exhaustive, but they provide a roadmap for strengthening respect for human rights. We call on all political parties and candidates to commit to this,” emphasized Dieudonné Dagbéto.
Looking Ahead: A Call for Commitment
The upcoming elections in Benin represent a critical opportunity to reinforce the rule of law and protect fundamental freedoms. By prioritizing the human rights concerns outlined in this manifesto,candidates can demonstrate a genuine commitment to building a more just and equitable society for all Beninese citizens. The eyes of both the nation and the international community will be watching to see which leaders embrace these principles and pave the way for a future where human rights are not just promises, but a lived reality.
