62 years of Benin’s independence: The fight against terrorism is a priority.

The Beninese people commemorated this Monday, 1 August 2022, its 62nd anniversary of accession to international sovereignty. The official events took place on the Boulevard of the Marina in Cotonou. Military and paramilitary parades and some artistic performances in memory of the Amazons and the warrior chief Bio Guéra were the highlights of the celebration. But for the occasion, the Head of State Patrice Talon did not make any speech as in the past.

It was around 9.45am on the morning of Monday 1 August 2022 when the motorcade of the President of the Republic Patrice Talon arrived at the Mathieu Gardens. In front of the obelisk dedicated to the children of Benin devoted to the game, the Beninese number 1 sacrificed the traditional wreath laying. After this solemn act, the official site of the events was set up on the Boulevard of the Marina in Cotonou, a few metres from the Amazon monument.

The fight against terrorism at the heart of the celebration.

The 62nd anniversary of Benin’s independence takes place in a very special context: terrorism. A phenomenon that the country has been experiencing since December 2021 on its northern borders. Hence the theme “Defence and Security Forces in Synergy of Action against Terrorism” as a reminder of the commitment of men in uniform to respond to the complex security challenges of today.

The National Guard, the latest addition to the army, in the spotlight.

Since 1960, the Beninese people have always had a pedestrian parade and a motorcade. But the 2022 edition is a little different. Under the command of Colonel Saturnin Obélakou, the National Guard had its first parade. This armed forces unit is made up of men and women who are highly trained to deal with the most sensitive security needs. In short, it is a highly versatile unit of elite soldiers ready to intervene wherever needed.

Unprecedented artistic performances.

Since the advent of the regime of the rupture, the civilian parade is no longer appropriate as it used to be. This year, President Patrice Talon opted instead for an artistic performance that praised the bravery of Benin’s heroes. Thus, the troupe ”les Agoodjié” performed dance steps in honour of Queen Tassi Hangbé, the founder of the famous troupe of Amazons. The voice of the artist Kalamoulaye recalled the heroism of Bio Guéra, the great warrior who fought the colonists at the expense of his life and whose monument is erected at the entrance to the Cardinal Bernardin Gantin International Airport in Cotonou. The melodious voice of the girls from CEG Gouako-Kotoclomè thrilled many and received the congratulations of the President of the Republic who expressed his deep emotion.

Nicéphore Soglo, Boni Yayi and others present at the ceremony.

The entire political class of Benin responded to the call of the fatherland. The two former presidents of the Republic, Nicéphore Soglo and Thomas Boni Yayi, the presidents of institutions and religious leaders at various levels marked this 62nd anniversary with their presence. An act that demonstrates once again the attachment of the Beninese to peace and unity despite political differences.

At the end of the ceremony, the President of the Republic Patrice Talon went to greet his guests before retiring under the joyful cries of the people who chanted “Prégo”, the abbreviation of President.