By Online Peoples News
In the wake of a devastating terrorist attack on January 8, 2025, which claimed the lives of over 30 Beninese soldiers, the people of Benin have intensified their protests against French imperialism, demanding the immediate expulsion of French troops from their soil. The attack, claimed by an Al-Qaeda affiliate, has been widely condemned as a direct consequence of France’s neocolonial military presence in the region.
The Council of Patriotic Youth (CoJeP), a leading force in the anti-French movement, has been at the forefront of organizing mass demonstrations across the country. “What is evident is that Benin is now at war—a war waged by French imperialism through proxy jihadist forces,” declared Damien Zinsou Degbe, President of CoJeP, in an interview with Peoples Dispatch(an international media outlet with the mission of bringing you voices from people’s movements and organizations across the globe).
The January 8 attack targeted one of Benin’s strongest military installations in the northern region, bordering Niger and Burkina Faso. Hundreds of Islamist insurgents overran the base, leading to an eight-hour battle that left dozens of soldiers dead. The tragedy has galvanized students, workers, and youth organizations, who blame France for the surge in terrorist activities since French troops relocated to Benin after being expelled from Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger.
Students and Workers Unite Against Imperialism
On January 29, students from the Collective of Students for the Defense of the Homeland took to the streets in Cotonou, Benin’s capital, demanding the withdrawal of French troops. “Among us students, there are those who will never see their parents, guardians, siblings, and cousins again. Orphans who no longer have anyone to ask for breakfast or school fees,” the group stated.
The Trade Union Confederation of Benin Workers (CSTB) echoed these sentiments during a January 25 meeting at the Cotonou Labor Exchange. “It is known by all in Benin and elsewhere that the arrival of French troops brings increased terrorist attacks,” the CSTB declared, paying tribute to the fallen soldiers and calling for an end to French military interference.
France’s Imperialist Strategy Exposed
Philippe Noudjenoume, First Secretary of the Communist Party of Benin (PCB), argues that France’s strategy is to destabilize its former colonies through proxy terrorist groups, forcing governments to accept French military presence. “France’s military strategy is to set fire and then present itself as the firefighter,” Noudjenoume stated.
This strategy has been evident in the Sahel region, where French-backed regimes were overthrown by patriotic military leaders in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger between 2020 and 2023. These countries, now united under the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), have made significant strides in combating terrorism since expelling French troops.
“Before the French troops were expelled, most news reports from Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger were about terrorists killing soldiers. Now, the news is more often about their soldiers killing terrorists,” said Nidol Salami, a PCB member and CoJeP activist. “The reason is obvious: France is the source of terrorism in the region.”
Cross-Border Solidarity and Government Crackdowns
Protest organizers have called on Benin’s government to engage in dialogue with the AES countries to develop cross-border cooperation against terrorism. However, the current administration, led by President Patrice Talon—widely perceived as a French puppet—has shown little interest in such collaboration.
Instead, the Talon government has cracked down on the anti-French movement. On January 16, CoJeP leaders Parfait Gnanmi and Razak Salaou were arrested after a rally demanding the expulsion of French troops. Two days later, police stormed a CSTB meeting at the Labor Exchange, preventing workers from paying tribute to the fallen soldiers.
“Is this not a brazen act of betrayal akin to that of enemies of the homeland?” the CSTB asked in a statement.
The People’s Resistance Grows
Despite the crackdowns, the anti-French movement continues to gain momentum. On January 21, students at the University of Abomey-Calavi organized a protest under the banner of the General Coordination of the university sections of CoJeP. “These fallen soldiers were our classmates, parents, brothers… Our hearts are bleeding! We are outraged! We are revolting!” their statement read.
The growing anti-colonial sentiment among the Beninese people is also permeating the ranks of the military. Noudjenoume believes that if the protests escalate into a mass revolutionary movement, the army may side with the people, potentially leading to the ouster of the Talon government and an alliance with the AES countries.
A Turning Point in the Fight Against Imperialism
The events in Benin mark a critical moment in the struggle against French imperialism in West Africa. As the people of Benin rise up against foreign occupation and domestic betrayal, their fight resonates with the broader anti-colonial movements across the continent.
“The French position our men against the terrorists, handle intelligence, and oversee equipment. And if, despite this, the deadly attack of January 8 still occurred, the conclusion is clear: French troops are behind the terrorists,” Noudjenoume insisted.
With protests spreading and solidarity growing, the people of Benin are determined to reclaim their sovereignty and end the cycle of imperialist exploitation. As the anti-French movement gains strength, it signals a potential turning point in the fight for true independence and self-determination in West Africa.
Long live the struggle of the Beninese people! Down with French imperialism!
Online Peoples News stands in solidarity with the people of Benin and all anti-imperialist movements fighting for justice, sovereignty, and liberation.