Freedom of expression and assembly

In October, the Ministry of Interior banned all demonstrations calling for information on the whereabouts of Pierre Urbain Dangnivo, a Ministry of Finance official who disappeared in August. Suspicions about the possible involvement of government officials in his disappearance provoked protests from the press, civil society and opposition political parties. An official inquiry failed to clarify his fate by the end of the year. Many civil society groups, including trade unions, denounced restrictions on freedom of expression and assembly.

Death penalty

In May, Susanne Lanmanchion was sentenced to death in her absence by the Assize Court of Abomey (in the centre of the country) for killing her mother.

Prison conditions

Prisons remained overcrowded. The prison of Cotonou (the main city) held six times its capacity, resulting in harsh conditions. Of the 2,500 inmates held, 80 per cent were in pre-trial detention.