• Reports citing government spokesman Minister Alain Orounla indicate that President Patrice Talon is to be sworn in for his second term at the Charles de Gaulle Stadium in Porto-Novo on May 23.
• Sources from May 20 also indicate that the inauguration will not be attended by external guests, including foreign heads of state. Attendees will reportedly include members of the government, deputies, dignitaries, and religious leaders.
• Sources from May 19 indicate that the Beninese military is on high alert in anticipation of violence on the day of Talon’s inauguration.

1. President Talon’s inauguration takes place amid heightened tensions over the authorities’ suppression of dissent after two protesters were killed by security forces during nationwide protests that took place ahead of the April 11 presidential election. Protesters denounced the president’s alleged undemocratic disqualification of opposition candidates as well as the arrest of opposition figures including disqualified Democrats candidate Reckya Madougou. Tensions were exacerbated in the opening weeks of Talon’s second term with arrests of opposition figures on terrorism charges for their alleged involvement in the election violence.
2. FORECAST: The authorities’ awareness of the likely staging of protests on May 23 is highlighted by their reported high alert, and a heightened security presence is therefore expected in the vicinity of the Charles de Gaulle Stadium throughout the day. The heightened security presence and potential for violence may deter opposition supporters and restrict their capabilities to convene in large demonstrations, however, spontaneous protests may take place and are liable to draw crowds in the mid to high dozens. Any such demonstrations are likely to be dispersed, with protesters liable to be arrested on national security grounds. Traffic disruptions are likely in the vicinity of the Charles de Gaulle Stadium ahead of, during, and after the ceremony as crowds in the mid-hundreds gather in support of Talon’s inauguration.

Those operating or residing in Porto-Novo on May 23 are advised to maintain heightened vigilance in the vicinity of the Charles de Gaulle Stadium throughout the day in light of the presidential inauguration.