Police, union leaders lock horns in Republic of Benin over souring cost of living
Tires burn as protesters barricade the streets of Cadjehoun the stronghold of former president of Benin Thomas Yayi Boni on May 2, 2019 in Cotonou. - Protesters in Benin were locked in a tense standoff with police and soldiers after violence broke out following controversial parliamentary polls held without a single opposition candidate. Hours after initial results showed a record low turnout in April 28 election, soldiers and large numbers of police deployed across the economic capital Contonou. Supporters of former president Boni Yayi, who led calls for a boycott of the ballot, took to the streets. They erected makeshift barriers of burning tyres, and chanting slogans against President Patrice Talon. (Photo by Yanick Folly / AFP) (Photo credit should read YANICK FOLLY/AFP/Getty Images)
Police in the Republic of Benin dispersed a trade union protest with teargas as they rallied against the rising cost of living.
Several prominent union figures were also arrested, according to witnesses and union officials.
Armed police barred journalists from entering the Labour Council in Cotonou’s economic center, surrounding the area where the rally was slated to take place.
Some demonstrators gathered nearby, carrying banners and wearing union T-shirts.
They were later dispersed with tear gas by the police.
Some of the union leaders arrested include Moudassirou Bachabi, who heads the General Confederation of Workers of Benin (CGTB), and Anselme Amoussou, head of union CSA-Benin, along with 16 other demonstrators, according to CGTB deputy general secretary Anita Bossoukpe.
Organised labour unions have been fearless in their push for economic change as they demand more actions from the government.
Prices of fuel and food products, including corn, gari flour, beans, and cowpeas, have risen in recent months, with poor citizens mostly affected.
While the country has witnessed economic progress in recent years, it ranks among the world’s poorest countries despite being one of Africa’s top cotton growers.
In 2009, Benin announced the discovery of oil offshore near Seme, a town on the Nigeria-Benin border.
