OPPOSITION COALITION

Opposition coalition increasing defiant show of support to Dangbo Mayor

After an attempted visit to arrested Mayor Clement Gnonlonfoun on October 04, 2009, Opposition coalition, also known as Union makes the Nation, led a huge demonstration in Dangbo on October 07, 2009, to protest against what it sees as act of arbitrariness from Boni Yayi Government.

Compiled and translated by Alfred Cossi Chodaton

alf2chod@yahoo.fr

First, Mr. Adrien Houngbédji, PRD Chairman, M.P. Sacca Fikara, MSD member, Mr. Séfou Fagbohoun, MADEP Chairman, Mr. Lazare Sèhouéto, Force Clé Chairman, and Mr. Bruno Amoussou, PSD Chairman went to Dangbo in an attempt to pay a visit to the Mayor held in custody for days on an alleged corruption case. However, they could not meet him since they were denied access to him. Despite this, the Opposition leaders have seized the opportunity to point out once again what they see as threat to peace and democracy. Here is an extract of what Mr. Adrien Hounbgédji, PRD Chairman, had to say on Monday, October 04, 2009, after they were denied access to the arrested Mayor:

Adrien Houngbédji’s statement on October 04, 2009

“We wished we could have been able to tell you that he had been doing well after seeing him, touching him, and talking with him. Unfortunately, we could not see him. The alleged reason behind this is he might be under a special detention regime and, for anyone to see him, a prior request and authorization procedure is needed.

This incident, which has just taken place, if need be, I think, has finally convinced everybody on the nature of the regime that rules us. It is a regime of arbitrariness, a regime of injustice, and a regime of dictatorship because, in fact, we have only come to pay Dangbo Mayor, Mr. Gnonlonfoun a visit during the usual devoted time to visit detainees. However, this was not surprising. Here is a regime that has just celebrated a peace week with handing over of peace torch to the Head of State, while during the same week when this event was being celebrated, an acting mayor was arrested. That same week, Government supporters vandalized Lalo City Hall. I believe we cannot therefore consider that there is a peace loving Government in Benin. I have to emphasize that what we have seen here today is not surprising to us. Anyway, no matter where he is kept in custody, Dangbo Mayor knows that we have come to pay him a visit as a solidarity gesture, solidarity because this threat has been hovering upon all of us. Now, all those involved in Benin politics, all Civil Society members, all trade union organizations must know they live in insecurity and once they do something that the governing Prince does not like, they can come themselves under an arbitrary arrest. We say arbitrary arrest because we all know that Judges are endowed prerogatives to order the release or the incarceration of an accused citizen. We know they ordered the Gnonlonfoun’s release and that it is by a simple phone call, Attorney General, instructed by Justice Minister himself acting under the authority of the Head of State, denied him freedom. We have evidence of what we say. Therefore, we are all in insecurity and we must remain vigilant to combat the advent of dictatorship in our country.

The second message I would like to convene here is a message of wisdom to President Yayi Boni. I would like to invite him to revisit Benin history, Dahomey history and he will understand that this people have never allowed anyone to bring it on its knees. This people have always fought and defeated arbitrary. Therefore, when you have to govern such a people, you had better be careful and act for peace and concord. I would also like to invite him to take a lucid look at what has been happening elsewhere on the continent. No people agree to be subjugated to an arbitrary rule. No people accept that a single man imposes his will on a whole nation. No people will accept that the reign of arbitrary outweighs the rule of law. Therefore, I hope that the Head of State will show wisdom and restrain, avoid acts, which can worsen the situation.

Finally, the last message is a message of hope. We invite the Beninese people to continue the fight. This fight is not a useless one. As we were able to defeat other regimes that tried to bring dictatorship to this country at different times in history, in the same way, we shall get rid of this regime. I would like to thank Gnonlonfoun’s lawyers who have done an extraordinary job by revealing to the world the reality behind his arrest. You have proven that he is only a political prisoner. I would also like to congratulate our country Judges, who we fully trust, because, they have performed their duty by releasing Gnonlonfoun. It is the will of the Prince, which maintains him in detention. That is what I wanted to say.”

Opposition to take more initiatives

Opposition leaders do not intend to limit their actions in favor of Dangbo Mayor release to this. In this vein, they led a huge demonstration on Wednesday, October 07, 2009, which gathered thousands of opposition supporters. Mr. Adrien Houngbédji, PRD Chairman, Idji Kolawolé, MADEP Deputy Chairman, Lazare Sèhouéto, Force Clé Chairman,  Patrice Gagnito, representing PSD, Brice Sossouhounto  Cotonou Deputy Mayor representing RB, M.P. Saka Fikara, and many other M.Ps, local councilors, oppositions activists gathered in Dangbo to protest against the Dangbo Mayor arrest. Here again, Mr. Adrien Houngbédji, who appears to be growing in confidence as he has now been turning to be the coalition main leader, made a statement. Here is what he said:

“My fellow brothers and sisters from Dangbo, if I am here today it is to tell you that I am on your side. I sympathize with your suffering. Clement Gnonlonfoun is Dangbo Mayor. He is not a PRD Mayor, a G12 Mayor, or MADEP Mayor. He is the Mayor of Dangbo and of all Dangbo children. When he is arrested like this as an ordinary criminal, it is an insult to all of you. This means anyone among you at any time can get arrested and jailed in the same way. That is why we are here today to protest. I want to say quite simply that Yayi Boni’s sun has currently been shining nowadays and some of our brothers have decided to join him and dry their clothes with him. However, it should not be that because they have been getting their clothes dry, other brothers have to be hot, have to undergo suffering, and frustrations. What we want in Dangbo is that the Sun shines for everyone. The Sun, everyone knows, rises at 6 A.M. and sets at 7 p.m. and we would like those taking advantage of Boni Yayi not to make their brethren suffer because tomorrow they might also go to jail.

We do not want this. That is why we must all remain together to get our brother out of prison. That is the message that I came here to convene to you. This is a first demonstration. If necessary, we will stage a terrible protest in Porto-Novo and in Cotonou because we want our country to be a free country where there is respect for human rights. This is why we are here.”

Dangbo Mayor arrest has been becoming a very divisive issue since he and his supporters, most of them opposition sympathizers, claim he is innocent, while Government supporters insist he is guilty. In another development, a letter from Attorney General, Georges Amoussou was published in a local daily newspaper, La Nouvelle Tribune. In this letter, the Attorney General reported to Justice Minister that according to his order, Dangbo Mayor was kept in custody despite his release by the Court. However, recently in press conference, Justice Minister has denied any Government involvement in this case.

Now Opposition coalition has been use this situation to pursue his strategy intending to win the mind and the heart of the people by convincing them Boni Yayi is not the man they can rely on to preserve Benin peace and democracy. Anyway, this situation has been getting increasingly worrying, as the tension and mistrust between both the ruling camp and the opposition has been growing.

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BENIN-USA

USADF Signs Three Grants to Support Livestock Markets in Benin 

The United States African Development Foundation (USADF) signed three grants to support livestock markets in Benin.  The grants will benefit l’Association Locale de Gestion du Marché à Bétail Auto-Géré de Gogounou (ALGMB), l’Union Communale des Professionnels des Eleveurs de Ruminants d’Abomey (UCOPER Abomey), and l’Union Communale des Organisations Professionnelles des Eleveurs de Ruminants de Dogue (UCOPER Dogue).

African Press Organization

Speaking about the grants, USADF President Lloyd Pierson stated “These three grants support livestock markets in Benin.  The improvements to these livestock markets will no doubt attract more buyers, increasing revenues of livestock owners.”

ALGMB manages one of the largest livestock markets in Benin.  Providing brokerage services between its more than 4,600 members and livestock buyers, the organization helps provide a framework to promote the interests of livestock owners while generating funds for local social development.  ALGMB organizes markets attended by hundreds of buyers and sellers each week and provides training for members.  However, inadequate water, lodging, and loading facilities result in costly delays, injury to animals and people, and increased fees.  The three year grant will construct guest house facilities, public toilets and showers at the market, upgrades to market facilities including a well and a loading dock, and provide for training.

UCOPER Abomey is a cooperative association of village livestock herding groups that manages the Abomey livestock market.  The market was created to improve transparency and increase members’ revenues through the sale of livestock.  However, the market’s poor infrastructure makes it difficult to attract traders.  The three year grant will be used to fence the market and construct a warehouse and a loading dock.  The grant will also provide funds to construct public toilets, a water trough for animals, and provide for working capital.

UCOPER Dogue is a cooperative of livestock herding groups in Dogue.  It was built on a site that was formerly the scene of violence between farmers and herders that is now a symbol of peace and economic activity for residents.  However, poor infrastructure limits revenue generation.  The three year grant will be used to build an office, fence, and loading dock, as well as construct water troughs and public toilets.

USADF began programming in Benin in 1986.   Benin’s current portfolio stands at fifteen investment projects totaling $2.36 million.  For more information about the portfolio, please visit the country’s quick source page at http://www.adf.gov/USADF-QuickSourceCountryPortfolioPage-Benin.htm.

The United States African Development Foundation (USADF) is a United States Government agency dedicated to expanding access to economic opportunity in Africa. Currently USADF operates in 20 African nations.  For more than 25 years, USADF has directly funded nearly 1,100 African projects representing in excess of $150 million in support of African enterprises and local African communities.  For more information on USADF, its programs and application guidelines, please visit www.usadf.gov.

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EDUCATION POLICY

Opposition coalition has released a message on education

As school resumes activities on October 01, 2009 in Benin, Opposition coalition known as Union makes the Nation (UN) issued a communiqué severely criticizing government policy on education. Here is an extract:

 

“…Tomorrow, a new academic year starts. Unfortunately, like last year, it opens up with important questions among all school users. Our young learners worry about their future both during their training and after the training. Teachers worry about both their living conditions increasingly precarious and their work conditions increasingly degraded. Parents worry about the value and the quality of the education provided and, which gets more and more expensive, despite Government propaganda on alleged actions for “free schools” and “improvement of teachers’ living conditions”.

Yayi Boni regime is so aware of such concerns that in order to avoid the premises of a disrupted academic year, it rudely tried to bypass the teachers unions by orchestrating these mass and folkloric meetings, as we have come to notice this, without forgetting the so-called “regional meetings”. However, it has failed. Thus constrained and forced by the stubborn nature of reality, it had to renew contact with these unions.

 
All this is the best example of a government policy based on improvisation, need for impressive actions, dirty tricks and a complete lack of rigor in analyzing problems and their solutions. The problems facing today’s and yesterday’s school in Benin could find bolder solutions, if the Government and its leader did not show incompetence and do not indulge in risky, uncertain, inconsistent, tasteless policy and of which main lever is demagoguery and deceit. In fact, how can one understand that a Government, which, repeatedly and in all sectors, always commits itself solemnly and publicly, begs the people to trust it, can only resolve to meet those commitments when pressured? This way of governing is unique in the world and very typical of this regime. Fortunately, today, unlike previous years, the people know farther the regime with which they have to lead: divertive and dilatory tactics do not deceive anyone anymore.

 
The government and its leader do not intend to address seriously the problems facing Benin school. They forget that the school is primarily an institution. It cannot be administered with successive dirty tricks, with electoral concerns as the main stimulus. Those involved in school activities cannot accept that this institution is disorganized, excessively politicized, manipulated at will, and finally destroyed. It is unacceptable that a Head of Government, who has not yet demonstrated, for over three years the sense of national interest expected from him, trivializes the responsibility of the regal State. The Beninese people do not want everything at once. The citizens involved in school activities do not want everything at once. What every Beninese wants is credible leaders who voluntarily comply with their commitments, credible leaders who think before acting or committing, leaders who think and design with citizens who are the most involved, a vision, a way, a plan that reassures and gives hope. The people do not want magicians, excellent illusionists, and specialists in acrobatics and prestidigitation with precarious effects.

You want a dynamic school, framework for the republican ideal of equality for all, which prepares you to integrate a changing society. Many of you fail to attend school, college or University, because deprived. Some of you remain in their homes or villages after high school diploma, because not knowing where to stay or how to pay rent in Cotonou or in Parakou. Social inequalities are expressed on the school grounds, in a more dramatic way, as poorer your parents are, lesser chance you have to succeed because Government does not understand the need for special measures in favor of poor or destitute families, while those families in Benin constitute the overwhelming majority of the population. The Government preferred announcing “billions” that has nothing fundamental to change in the lives of these needy ones.

 
As for you teachers of all levels, through your unions, you have clearly stated your intentions. We can deduce the meaning of your legitimate fighting. You do not want to continue to be the doormat of the Nation. You do not want to be victims of demagogic promises. You want to reduce the vulnerability of your living and working conditions through a real policy of gradual appreciation of your profession. You also want and finally enjoy greater security and justice, for example, by being preserved from arbitrary actions of politicians and posting or appointment, actions that have become particularly widespread in recent months and weeks.
It is your responsibility and we must explain these things to our people every day, so that the cynical tactic the Government uses to expose teachers (including trade unionists), who dare to express your legitimate claims to lynching, finds no fertile ground.

 
Anyway, Union makes the Nation professes the urgency of providing a new policy to our people, contrary to the policy of widespread mediocrity which undermines all the essential achievements of our country – may it be moral, social, economic and political. We need another policy and other political leaders, who have more skills and who can best lead our nation with insurance, with a keen sense of listening and dialogue, beyond the din of propaganda in a world increasingly complex, requiring more technical skill in all subjects in the life of a country.
In the meantime, we urge the Government to respect its own word and commitments, if indeed it has any concern for the future of our youth and our country….”

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IMF-BENIN

Statement by an IMF Staff Mission to Benin

 
An International Monetary Fund (IMF) mission visited Cotonou during September 14-28, 2009 to conduct discussions on a program that could be supported by the IMF. The mission met the President of the Republic, H.E. Dr. Thomas Boni Yayi, the Senior Minister for Prospective Development, Evaluation of Public Policy and the Coordination of Government Action, Mr. Pascal I. Koupaki, Minister of Economy and Finance, Mr. Idriss L. Daouda, and other senior officials. It also held fruitful discussions with representatives of parliament, labor union leaders, donors, and the private sector. The following statement was issued in Cotonou by Mr. Joannes Mongardini, IMF mission chief for Benin, at the end of the mission:

African Press Organization

“The global economic crisis has adversely affected the near term prospects of the Beninese economy. Real GDP growth is projected to slow to 2.5 percent in 2009, a decline from 5.0 percent in 2008 due to the weak prospects for cotton and trade with neighboring countries. Inflation has declined because of lower agricultural prices, thanks to a good cereal harvest, and lower international food and fuel prices. On the other hand, the external current account deficit, excluding grants, is expected to widen to about 13 percent of GDP, reflecting the decline in cotton exports, which more than offset the improvement in the terms of trade.

“The analysis by the mission shows that the fiscal position has worsened during the first semester of 2009. Government revenue was below target, reflecting largely a decline in customs collection due to the slowdown in imports and lower tax collection. Slippages in government expenditures were related to higher bonuses to civil servants and a carryover of capital expenditure commitments. In that context, the authorities and Fund staff concurred that the decline in government revenue would require continued implementation of the reforms already underway of the tax and customs administrations. In addition, expenditure overruns require a limit on bonuses and other fringe benefits to civil servants, civil service reform, and a strengthening of the control of public expenditure.

“The mission had useful meetings with the authorities on challenges confronting Benin, notably on budget management and economic policy choices. It welcomed progress in the implementation of structural reforms and encouraged the authorities to continue their efforts in this area. The discussions on an economic program that could be supported by the IMF will continue in the next few months. The mission would like to reiterate its readiness to strengthen the partnership between the authorities and the IMF in order to help Benin address the challenges confronting its economy.

“The mission would like to express its gratitude for the warm hospitality of the authorities, the very constructive dialogue, and the close cooperation during its stay in Cotonou.”

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THEARTS TO PEACE

Civil Society calls for bold initiatives to preserve peace in Benin

On Sunday, September 27, 2009 Léontine Idohou Kounou, Constant Gnancadja, Martin Assogba, Felix Iroko, Albert Tingbé Azalou and André Quenum had a televised debate on State TV station, OTRB over the topic “peace and development in Benin” to mark the end of International Peace Day commemoration . They expressed their fear about Benin political situation characterized by tension between the ruling camp and the opposition coalition.

Complied and translated by Alfred Cossi Chodaton

alf2chod@yahoo.fr

The guests were invited by the journalist Roger Migan of State TV station, ORTB to talk about the situation of peace in Benin and the relation between peace and development. The initiative of this televised debate was taken as part of the commemorations regarding International Peace Day. A whole week has been consecrated to this celebration with different kind of events intending to raise public awareness about the need to preserve peace seen as a basic commodity without which there cannot be development and well-being.

During the debate, the guests deplored the lack of dialogue within the political arena. Some of them even criticized severely the Government, which they blame for the different threats to peace in Benin.

Martin Assogba, who is ALCRER Chairman, stated that the violation of the rule of law particularly regarding the appointment of officials. According to him, the appointments made by the Government do not take into consideration the regulations related to the management of human resources in State organizations.

The guests have also expressed their dismay about the way the post-electoral disputes, which broke out after March 2008 local elections has been handled. Here, they also noticed a violation of the rule of law. To them, although the cases of this electoral dispute have been hanging before Supreme Court Judges, this should not prevent the elected councilors from acting.

Another cause for trouble, according to the debaters, is the early campaign started three years ahead of March 2011 presidential elections. André Quenum, who is a catholic clergyman, pointed out that there are many divisions within the ruling camp causing men and women of rural areas to hate one another. Instead of working for development, many Government supporters have been inciting conflicts within the different community at local level.

André Quenum also criticized the involvement of some clergymen in political activities. To him, religious organizations must play the role of arbitrary by acting in favor of reconciliation and dialogue, instead of siding with one camp. If we clergymen get involved in politics, there will be anyone to work for dialogue and reconciliation when it comes to this.

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INTERNATION PEACE DAY CELEBRATION

UNPD coordinator responds to Opposition letter

In respond to a letter from the representative of Opposition coalition made up of G4 and Force Clé, expressing the dismay of its leaders about what they see as Government’s manipulative attempt on International Peace Day celebration, UNDP coordinator resident in Benin has forwarded to Union makes the Nation member parties a letter. He stated in this mail the reason and purpose behind International Peace Day celebration. Here is an extract of this letter:

Complied and translated by Alfred Cossi Chodaton

alf2chod@yahoo.fr

“Mr. Representative of Union makes the Nation member parties,

I would like hereby acknowledge receipt of your correspondence dated September 18, 2009 and thank you for your interest to International Peace Day commemoration.

Instituted by United Nations General Assembly A/RES/36/67 resolution on November 30, 1981, International Peace Day is celebrated every year in United Nations member countries. Among other things, the resolution invites member States, the organizations of United Nations, the peoples to commemorate and strengthen the ideals of peace within and among nations and peoples, especially through educational activities and awareness of the public, in collaboration with United Nations to promote peace in the world. For this celebration in Benin, the Committee, which has been put in place, has thought about different activities. As you can see from the list of persons to who copy of this letter is to be forwarded, this Committee is made up of members (from different background), representatives of Civil Society, trade unions, religious organizations, private sector, State institutions. The Committee adopted a number of activities and solicited United Nations technical and financial assistance, including working out and broadcasting of significant message on peace, debates on TV, a peace torch-caravan throughout the former six Benin administrative regions and a peace forum in Cotonou.

The assistance provided by United Nations is part of its mandate to attend to this Peace Day celebration adopted at the international level. We had found no objection in supporting these activities, considering the leadership role have been playing Benin democracy and political pluralism in Africa. I should like to reassure public opinion, particularly member parties of Union makes the Nation, United Nations has no intention to act on the behalf on this independent Committee engaged in activities decided within its own ranks.

For those who have witnessed or followed on audiovisual media on  September 21, 2009 the ceremony launching International Peace Day celebration, which took place in Porto-Novo, they had seen the presence on the esplanade of National Assembly of MPs and mayors (from all background), representatives of Civil Society, religious organizations, traditional chiefs, youth organizations and, women's organizations.

Messages read on this occasion by the representatives of these constituents of Beninese society show a strong commitment from one another to work for the promotion and consolidation of peace. With the United Nations’ regards for your personal commitment, support and efforts to the consolidation of peace in Benin, I can assure you of my highest consideration.”

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WEST AFRICAN ECONOMY

BOAD approves $123 million for West Africa projects

The West African Bank of Development (BOAD) has approved 61.4 billion FCFA (123 million U.S. dollars) for about 10 projects in the member countries of the Economic and Monetary Union of West African (UEMOA) countries.

China View

At the end of the 74th session of the BOAD's administration council held in Lome on Tuesday, the regional financial institution approved the projects in its budget for 2010 and the financial prospects for the 2009-2013 period.

The approval has brought the number of the BOAD-funded projects to 32 in 2009 with a combined investment of 227.8 billion FCFA (456 million dollars). Since its creation, the institution has provided a total of 141,1.842 billion FCFA (25.7 billion dollars) to 505 projects in the region.

The newly approved projects concern mainly road infrastructure, telecommunications, food security and insurance.

In the sector of insurance, the BOAD proposed to sign an accord of 3 billion FCFA (6 million dollars) in support of the Diamond Bank of Benin and to adopt a mechanism of sharing risks with the financial partners.

The council also looked at the possibility of an UEMOA-financed market, the launch of the first African communication satellite by Rascom Star Qaf (RSQ) and a project for sustainable energy production in the region.

The BOAD is a financial institution of the UEMOA, which comprises Benin, Burkina Faso, Cote d'Ivoire, Mali, Niger, Senegal, Guinea-Bissau and Togo.

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