Why did King Behanzin resist French claims to Cotonou?

King Behanzin’s resistance to French claims over Cotonou was rooted in the strategic and economic importance of the port to the Kingdom of Dahomey.

By the late 19th century, the French had successfully established control over Porto-Novo and Cotonou, which diverted coastal trade away from the traditional Dahomean port of Ouidah, causing its commerce to collapse. Although treaties regarding the cession of Cotonou had been negotiated with Dahomean authorities in 1868 and 1878, the port was not occupied by the French until 1890.123

When Behanzin ascended to the throne in 1889, he challenged these French claims to the territory. His refusal to accept French authority over the port served as a direct provocation that led to the French military expedition of 1892–1894, resulting in the conquest of Dahomey, the deposition of the king, and his subsequent exile.123