On January 15, 2025, civil society groups in Cotonou organized a peaceful demonstration supporting Benin’s Defense and Security Forces (FDS) and demanding the withdrawal of French military troops.
The protest followed a deadly terrorist attack on January 8 that killed 30 soldiers, fueling criticism of France’s military role in Benin.
Protesters argued that French intervention prioritizes strategic interests over Benin’s security and called for stronger regional cooperation through the Sahel States Alliance (AES) with Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger. Inspired by the AES’s success, many Beninese citizens advocate for greater sovereignty and self-reliance in security matters.
According to reports, another mass demonstration is scheduled for January 25, reflecting a growing anti-foreign military sentiment across Africa.
