What's happened
Benin has passed reforms extending presidential and legislative terms from five to seven years, with a new Senate expected to include former leaders. The reforms, still awaiting court approval, will take effect after April's presidential election. Opposition parties allege irregularities and fear increased influence for current leaders.
What's behind the headline?
The recent constitutional reforms in Benin and Guinea highlight a broader trend of military and political leaders consolidating power across West Africa. In Benin, the creation of a Senate with former heads of state could serve to entrench current leadership, especially as opposition parties allege electoral irregularities. The reforms in Guinea, where Doumbouya's candidacy defies promises of a transition to democracy, reflect a pattern of military figures extending their rule under the guise of constitutional legitimacy. These developments suggest a rollback of democratic norms, with leaders leveraging legal changes to prolong their tenure. The international community's response, including court approvals and peacekeeping mandates, indicates cautious acceptance but also underscores ongoing instability and the risk of further authoritarianism.
What the papers say
AP News reports that Benin's reforms were passed with a significant majority amid opposition claims of irregularities, and that the new Senate could include former heads of state, potentially allowing current leaders to retain influence. Reuters highlights Guinea's controversial election process, where Doumbouya's candidacy was approved despite promises not to run, under a new constitution that extends presidential terms and allows military leaders to contest. Both sources emphasize concerns over democratic backsliding and the role of constitutional changes in consolidating power, with AP noting opposition protests and irregularities, and Reuters pointing to the exclusion of major opposition figures and the military's tightening grip on Guinea's political landscape.
How we got here
Benin recently amended its constitution to extend terms and create a new Senate, amid concerns over transparency and opposition protests. Meanwhile, Guinea's military leader Mamadi Doumbouya, who seized power in 2021, is running for president under a new constitution that allows military leaders to contest elections, breaking earlier promises not to run. Both countries are experiencing political instability linked to military influence and constitutional changes.
Go deeper
Common question
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