Benin Riots following Controversial Polls claim At Least 2 Lives

At least 2 people were reported dead following a standoff between security forces and civilians who were protesting the country’s parliamentary polls which took place on Sunday.

Africa News reports that the polls held without a single opposition candidate.

Two former heads of state, Boni Yayi, who was president from 2006 until 2016, and Nicephore Soglo, who held office between 1991 and 1996, had urged President Patrice Talon to annul the vote which they described as an “electoral state coup”.

Initial results showed that only about 23% of eligible voters came out to vote.

The protesters erected makeshift barriers of burning tyres, and chanting slogans against President Talon.

Protesters have attacked government buildings, as well as businesses and cars, according to Africa News, with police said to have fired teargas, as well as live ammunition, according to eyewitnesses.

Le restaurant Livingston à Cotonou attaqué ! Un #TaxiTalon en flammes ? #riotsBenin #postelectoralcrisis, #democrature doit se terminer par une #ConférenceNationale #inclusive pic.twitter.com/hamOyhDL6I

— Célestin-Alexis Agbessi?? (@Delarecal) May 2, 2019

#RiotsBenin ??#electionsinclusives #PatriceTalon #BeninShutdown #fire ??? ⁦@LeMonde_Afrique⁩ ⁦@nytimes⁩ ⁦@ONU_fr⁩ ⁦@PresidenceBenin⁩ pic.twitter.com/ameaFHDN8P

— Célestin-Alexis Agbessi?? (@Delarecal) May 1, 2019

According to Punch, one witness said three people were killed Thursday as soldiers opened fire.

This video showed police firing at protesters.

The police are shooting at the people. #RiotsBenin #benin #cotonou pic.twitter.com/J7OzOcuzxG

— improprietyisthesoulofwit (@DevidyalG) May 2, 2019

Tirs à balles réelles à Cotonou. Lorsque la police ou l’armée commence à tirer, les autorités perdent leur légitimité. #riotsBenin #Insurrection #Democrature pic.twitter.com/srgy2iqLQi

— Célestin-Alexis Agbessi?? (@Delarecal) May 2, 2019

Interior Minister Sacca Lafia told French radio RFI some officers had “gone against given orders” and those found guilty would receive the “toughest punishment”.

“The police and soldiers… they started firing, they chased people. We heard shots, lots of shots,” one resident said.

Medical sources say one woman died Thursday as a result of injuries the previous day.

Another man was said to have been killed on Wednesday night.

“They aimed at him. The bullet went through him. My child is dead,” the man’s father said.