DO NOT OVERLOOK NIGERIA'S SMALLER NEIGHBOR TO THE WEST, BENIN
BY AMBASSADOR AROUNA
Nigeria's 2015 general elections have been hailed as historic and viewed as a landmark. They have even prompted talk of an "African spring". Although well meaning, these comments reflect the tellingly low standards by which democracy in the region has come to be judged.
The Nigerian success is actually the consolidation of a long-standing democratic tradition deeply rooted in the region and to which we are now accustomed. As a matter of fact, next door to the west, just a stone throw away from the African giant, a smaller neighbor has been blazing the democratic trail in Africa for the past twenty-five years.
Benin has been at the forefront of the democratic renewal since it introduced to Africa and the developing world in 1990 a wave of national conferences as a peaceful mean of transition from a dictatorial regime to a democratic society. Benin and its people share the same values and aspirations as the United States and its people.
DEMOCRACY IN A FREE-MARKET ECONOMY
Benin has seen three peaceful transfers of power since 1990, and is on pace to experience its fourth in twenty-five years early next year.
A quarter of century ago, Benin and the rest of the continent were struggling to shake off the Cold War era military rulers who took power after most of Africa's European colonies became independent in the 1960s. With a command economy, coup leaders in charge and few natural resources, the former French territory stagnated, offering little chance of climbing out of grinding poverty.
Seeing the system couldn't continue, President Mathieu Kerekou called a national conference in 1990 bringing together civic and religious leaders, farmers and all the political parties. They insisted upon democratic elections and the limits on presidential terms. President Kerekou held elections, lost them and ceded power. He was re-elected five years later and served until 2006. It should also be noted that the other two presidents came from outside of his political circle. Their banking background helped force economic policy changes that encouraged investment and loosened the state's command of markets.
As much of some countries in Africa stumbled through wars, coups and elections during the last two decades, Benin nurtured tourism, a free press and a stable economy built largely on agriculture and services.
Benin is different from other African countries in many ways. Only 10 million people in a country the size of Pennsylvania, it has one official language, French, and a plethora of ethnic groups that foster stability. The country upholds high human rights, enjoys freedom of press and the rule of law within a system of market economies.
THE FIGHT AGAINST CORRUPTION
The Government of Benin passed a specific anti-corruption law in 2011. The President has demonstrated a strong political will to reduce corruption and has imposed administrative sanctions and removals from office of high profile, allegedly corrupted, officials. Benin is a signatory to the United Nations Anti-corruption Convention. Benin's State Audit Office is responsible for identifying and acting against corruption in the
public sector.
DIRECT FOREIGN INVESTEMENT
The Government of Benin encourages foreign investment and the country has bilateral investment agreements with the United States, France, Germany, the United Kingdom, Switzerland, Portugal, Canada, the Netherlands, China and several African countries.
The Heritage Foundation 2013 Index of Economic Freedom reports Benin Foreign Direct Investment inflow at USD 118.5 million. Firms from the U.S., China, France, Germany, India, Lebanon, Italy and Switzerland have made direct private investments. Foreign investors have purchased textile, cement, wood and brewing companies in Benin and have invested in services.
Opportunities for foreign investment may arise from privatization of the following parastatals: SBEE (electricity), SONEB (water), SOBEMAP (port cargo handling), Benin Telecoms S.A., and La Poste du Benin S.A. (mail). Foreign companies are invited to bid on privatizations. The bidding process is open and well publicized. The Overseas Private Investment Corporation and the US Export Import Bank offer
financial underwriting for companies wishing to invest in Benin.
A RICH CULTURAL TRADITION
A small country indeed but with a powerful history and a rich culture rooted in a secular tradition. Music is of the utmost importance in the country. The rhythmic sounds of drumming can be heard at most festivals and religious events. Not just a way to celebrate, music in Benin provides a way to express religious fervor.
The country is also home to world-renowned stars, including the two-time Grammy award winner and acclaimed song writer and singer Angélique Kidjo, the Hollywood blockbuster actor Djimon Hounsou and the legendary Jazz guitarist Lionel Loueke. Composer Wally Badarou and late singer Gnonnas Pedro as well as Ohio-based Chef Didier Alapini are also from Benin. As with most clothing in West Africa, the textiles are vibrant and ornately decorated.
Each cultural group has unique but recognizable attire, and in most tribes, different colors and patterns are worn for different occasions. Attending a cultural gathering in Benin, especially during a local festival, is a feast for the eyes. The strong influence of the Voodoo religion is an important part of Benin.
Thanks to twenty-five years of democracy and a shared common vision and aspiration, Benin has enjoyed a long-standing and rewarding partnership with the United States. Twice now, Benin has qualified for the Millennium Challenge Compact. This has deepened the relationship and helped change millions of lives in the country.
President Obama is traveling to Kenya this summer; this new Africa trip might be an opportunity for a short stop over to Cotonou for the president to see firsthand at work the incredible generosity of the American people.
*H.E Omar Arouna is currently the Benin Ambassador to the United States of America.
**With excerpts from: "iExplore Benin travel Guide", "Nigeria post-election: Bellwether of African
democracy?", "US State Department 2013 Investment Climate Statement Bureau of Economic
and Business Affairs".
Source: African Sun Times
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