Reflecting on 35 Years of Democracy Since the National Conference in Benin

The 35th anniversary of the National Conference in Benin highlights its role in transitioning from dictatorship to democracy. Initially convened to quell unrest, it empowered citizens and dismantled autocratic powers, leading to a wave of democratization in West Africa. However, recent political turmoil raises questions about the future of democracy in the region, as military coups threaten to undermine decades of progress.

Today marks the 35th anniversary of the National Conference in Benin Republic, which was meant to establish a new social contract aimed at transitioning from arbitrary rule to democracy. Prior to this, the country had been under the autocratic rule of General Mathieu Kerekou since 1972, who had imposed Marxist-Leninist principles, controlling economic policies through a single-party system until the early 1990s.

The National Conference took place in Cotonou from February 19 to 28, 1990, chaired by Mgr. Isidore de Souza. Originally convened to appease a discontent populace, it instead empowered delegates to assert sovereignty over government decisions. They claimed authority, limiting Kerekou’s powers and establishing new democratic institutions, including appointing Nicephore Soglo as Prime Minister, signaling a crucial shift yet a hopeful return to civilian rule.

This conference drew inspiration from the French Revolution’s “Etats Generaux,” igniting similar movements across Francophone West Africa. Autocratic regimes in Niger, Togo, Côte d’Ivoire, and Mali subsequently fell, forced to accept national dialogues that dismantled existing political structures. Collectively, these conferences represented a watershed in empowering democratic forces to challenge entrenched authoritarianism.

The primary goal of these National Conferences was to dismantle authoritarian structures while increasing citizen political engagement, marking a pivotal beginning for democratic endeavors in West Africa. Despite some successes, the region also faced numerous setbacks as democratic momentum waned in several areas. Today, democracy is framed as essential for the political future of the region.

In the past 35 years, the political landscape has evolved significantly, with military coups in countries like Chad and Mali revisiting authoritarian rule. This trend represents an existential dilemma for ECOWAS, which could risk its democratic credentials. The instability raises concerns with four out of fifteen member states experiencing setbacks, heightening fears of a broader democratic fall.

Populist rhetoric from coup leaders has also portrayed French influence as a malevolent force, impacting nations with established ties to France. ECOWAS’s response to such regimes has occasionally missed the mark, complicating the political landscape further. The crucial question now is whether West Africa’s democratic evolution, which began in the early 1990s, is in decline.

A significant hurdle post-conference has been the effective implementation of constitutional rule. While many African constitutions outline ideal frameworks—addressing civil rights and governance—their execution frequently falters. West Africa pioneered many democratic reforms, especially stemming from Benin’s experiences in 1990, yet the gap between constitutional ideals and reality remains substantial.

Despite past resilience, the region faces challenges due to a political class that often does not reflect its citizens. West Africans have displayed a deep commitment to democracy, contrasting sharply with the indifference of many leaders. Citizen advocacy has historically kept democratic ideals alive despite ongoing governmental failures, highlighting an ongoing battle for inclusion and representation in political processes.

In contemporary Benin, President Talon is accused of eroding democratic norms, sidelining political opposition and hinting at a controversial third term. This situation unfolds against a backdrop of younger generations who may lack awareness of the significant democratic strides made 35 years ago during the National Conference. Nevertheless, the struggle for democracy remains vital in Benin and West Africa at large.

The 35th anniversary of the National Conference in Benin symbolizes both the promise and ongoing struggle for democracy in West Africa. Despite historical progress, current trends indicate a worrying resurgence of authoritarianism amidst disenchantment with democratic governance. The region’s ability to learn from its past and address the failures of leadership will be crucial in the quest for sustainable democratic reform going forward.

Original Source: dailytrust.com