BENIN COUNTRY BRIEF

INTERNAL

Political
Since the establishment of a democratic system in 1991, the political situation in Benin has stabilized. The new Constitution adopted in December, 1990 provide for a Presidential form of government and a multiparty democracy. The President is elected for two five-year terms. An independent Constitutional Court established in June 1993 interprets the Constitution, guarantees human rights and acts as the highest Court of Appeal. An independent Electoral Commission was set up in 1995.

Benin is considered as a relatively successful example of consolidation of democratic system and peaceful transfer of power in the West African sub-region. In March 1996, Presidential elections, former President Mathieu Kerekou who ruled Benin for 17 years between 1972-89 as head of a military government, scored victory over President Soglo by a narrow margin. President Kerekou is continuing the economic reform programme initiated under the Soglo regime.

In March 2001, Presidential elections were held in Benin. The first round of Presidential elections took place on March 4, 2001. As no candidate obtained majority of votes in the first round, it was decided by the Constitutional Court to hold the second round on March 18. However, two other candidates viz. former President Necephore Soglo and National Assembly Speaker Adrien Houngbedji boycotted the election, 48 hours before the second round, describing it as a "masquerade". Finally, the second round took place on March 22, 2001. President Mathieu Kerekou secured 84% of the vote and the only challenger former Minister Bruno Amoussou conceded defeat.

Economy
Agriculture is the mainstay of Benin's economy by contributing 38% of GDP. 70% of the population is engaged in agricultural activities. Main agricultural products are cotton, palm oil, cereals, groundnut, cashew nut, fruits, yams and cassava. Industry contributes 13% of GDP (cotton industry alone provides 5% of GDP). Benin has some reserves of gold, limestone, ceramic clay, kaolin, granite, gypsum etc.

The main thrust of Kerekou government is on creating new employment opportunities through development projects, expanding cotton and palm oil production (two main items of Benin's export), attracting foreign investment and maintaining the high growth rate achieved during Soglo's regime. Benin signed an agreement with IMF in July 2000 to ensure fiscal prudence over the medium term. IMF has disbursed the first installment of SDR 6.8 million (US$ 8.7 million) of a total aid of SDR 27 million to support the 2000-2003 economic programme in Benin. During 1999, Benin's exports were US$ 396 million and imports US$ 566 million.

Foreign Policy
Benin is a member of the Francophone group, Monetary Union of West African States, Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), OIC, NAM and is a signatory to the Lome Convention. As a former colonial power, France continues to have strong influence in Benin. The Sixth Francophone Summit was held in Cotonou in December 1995. Former President Soglo strengthened Benin's ties with the USA and China through official visits. Benin has signed an agreement with USA for military cooperation including joint exercises and education and training of Beninese officials.

The present government is trying to consolidate bilateral cooperation with neighbouring and other African countries. Nigeria remains vital for Benin from political, economic and strategic point of view. In fact, Benin is dependent on Nigeria for most of its exports. Its economy is primarily based on informal trade with Nigeria. In May 1997, Benin sent 250 soldiers to join the ECOMOG in Liberia. This was Benin's first foray into the regional peacekeeping operation.

BILATERAL

Political
Due to the absence of convenient and transit routes there have been few high-level visits between India and Benin. President Kerekou attended the NAM Summit in New Delhi in 1983. At the invitation of the then EAM, Benin's Minister of External Affairs and Commerce Frederic Affo visited India in July 1986, the two sides signed a Cultural Agreement (for five years) and agreed to exchange trade delegations. Beninese Minister of Communications and Culture, Pauline Hountondji visited India in September 1992 on an invitation from our MOS for Communications.

Beninese Foreign Minister Pierre Osho visited India in April 1997 to attend the NAM Ministerial Meeting. He again paid a bilateral visit to India on 11-23, November 1997 and signed an agreement for setting up a Joint Committee for Political, Economic, Scientific, Technical and Cultural Cooperation between India and Benin. Present Beninese Foreign Minister Idji Kolawole Antoine visited India in October 2000 and held talks with MOS(EA) Shri Ajit Kumar Panja on bilateral issues.

From our side, Shri Hari Kishore Singh, MOS for External Affairs visited Benin in May 1990. The then Secretary (West) Shri Lalit Mansingh visited Cotonou in April 1996.

ECONOMIC

Trade
India's exports to Benin in 1998-99 and 1999-2000 were US$ 26.56 million and US$ 29.52 million respectively. Imports in the same period were US$ 12.55 million and US$ 43.89 million respectively. Benin is the third largest partner of India in Francophone Africa after Cote d'Ivoire and Senegal. Main export items to Benin were cotton yarn, fabrics (Madras George) and made ups, man-made yarn, fabrics and made ups, drugs, pharmaceuticals, fine chemicals, machinery and instruments, paints, runner-manufactured products and non-basmati rice. Imports from Benin include cashew nuts, synthetic fibres, raw hides and skins.

Project Exports
Telecommunication Consultants India Limited (TCIL) has executed two World Bank-assisted projects worth about US$ 10 million to provide telecom network in Porto Novo and twin-cities of Abomey and Bohicon.

Joint Ventures
There are no joint ventures between India and Benin.

TECHNICAL AND ECONOMIC COOPERATION

Military
There is no military cooperation between India and Benin at present.

ITEC
Benin has been sending a few officials to India for training in various disciplines under ITEC Programme. Benin has been allotted 4 seats annually under ITEC. In 1997, an Indian expert visited Benin under ITEC Programme to advise the Beninese government on development of coconut industry.

Indian Community
There are about 500 Indians in Benin mostly engaged in trade. In 1997, a locally resident won a contract against a World Bank loan to Benin for supply of water pumps. India does not have a Resident Diplomatic Mission in Benin. High Commissioner of India to Nigeria is concurrently accredited to Benin. Government of India has appointed Shri. Ashok R. Mirchandani, a local Indian, as the Honorary Consul of India to Benin.

For Facts on Benin Republic click here

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