Benin: President Patrice Talon responds to calls from the Beninese people for the departure of French forces
An unprecedented mobilization is taking shape within the people of Benin, who are rising as one to demand the withdrawal of French forces stationed on their territory. This demand, directed at President Patrice Talon, reflects a growing desire for national sovereignty and a strategic repositioning in a regional context marked by political and security upheavals.
For several weeks, voices across the country have been raised to denounce the presence of foreign military forces, seen by some as an obstacle to Benin’s independence and its ability to manage its own security challenges. These calls are part of a broader movement observed in West Africa, where populations are increasingly expressing a need to break away from France, still present in international relations.
These protests also reflect a search for indigenous solutions to security challenges. More and more Beninese citizens are calling for increased cooperation with local and regional forces, such as the AES, rather than relying on French military presence.
The outcome of this mobilization could redefine the contours of Benin’s foreign policy and defense strategy. It also raises fundamental questions about the true role of French forces in the sub-region.
