The Importance of Being Benin…The Political and Security Ramifications of the Upcoming Elections

As political tension grows in the West African nation of Benin, so does the pressure on current President, Patrice Talon.  After contradicting a promise to serve only one term as President; disqualifying almost every opposition candidate running in the upcoming election; arresting opposition political leaders in broad daylight; President Talon has shifted from democratic leader to autocrat in very short order.  With the validity of the April 11th elections now in question and the democratic future of this once shining city on a hill in doubt, the broader ramifications of the political instability in Benin could have adverse regional, continental, and even global effects.

On this episode of MESSAGE TRAFFIC, we are pleased to have Ambassador Omar Arouna. Ambassador Arouna was the former Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Benin to the U.S. and Mexico. He currently serves as the Vice President of the Board of Advisors for the New York Center for Foreign Policy Affairs.