Why did political instability follow Benin’s independence in 1960?

Following its independence from France in 1960, the country—then known as Dahomey—experienced significant political instability due to a fragmented nationalist movement.12

This fragmentation was characterized by the emergence of three regionally based political parties, each drawing support from specific areas:
* Porto-Novo: Led by Sourou-Migan Apithy.12
* Abomey: Led by Justin Ahomadégbé.12
* The North: Led by Hubert Maga.12

These internal political divisions were further intensified by persistent economic difficulties, which manifested in widespread student and trade union unrest. This volatile environment led to a series of six successful military coups d’état between 1963 and 1972, as well as several periods of direct army rule. The instability ultimately concluded after a 1972 coup brought Mathieu Kérékou to power, who later transitioned the nation toward a Marxist-Leninist state, renaming it the People’s Republic of Benin in 1975.12