Benin’s president will face emboldened opposition

Significance

The urgency of the government’s economic reform efforts has mounted after a series of legislative setbacks for President Patrice Talon, including the failure of his signature attempt to limit heads of state to a single six-year term and alter immunity protocols for members of parliament. This was the first major legislative obstruction for Talon since his election last year -- he has now hinted that he could run for a second term after previous promises not to do so.

Impacts

• The continued presence in parliament of legislators tainted by a recent corruption scandal could undermine transparency efforts.
• Rising food prices could spark protests calling for the cancellation of an import verification programme.
• A failure of the Nigerian economy to rebound in 2017 could undermine any Beninois recovery.