In Benin, the union march announced for this morning in the streets of Cotonou against the high cost of living was banned by the authorities. All access to the gathering place was blocked by the police. The organizers attempted to circumvent the system, which led to the arrest of several union leaders.
1 min
With our correspondent in Cotonou, Jean-Luc Aplogan
Several organizers reported the arrest of three general secretaries of trade union confederations and the arrest of demonstrators. There are currently no official figures, the police spokesperson and the government have not yet commented.
It is against the high cost of living that the unions had called for demonstrations this Saturday. Early in the morning, all the exits leading to the labor exchange, the gathering and starting point of the march, were cordoned off by the police.
The organizers and some demonstrators launched a procession outside the system, they were dispersed with tear gas by a police cordon which was waiting for them at Place Bulgaria.
The police explain that the march was not authorized, the unions respond that they did things according to the rules. They mobilize lawyers and international organizations to defend their comrades.