stories and histories DECOLONIZATION OF BENIN (DAHOMEY)

1-8-1960: DECOLONIZATION OF BENIN (DAHOMEY)
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The history of Benin originates in the ancient Kingdom of Dahomey, which was colonized by the French, and in 1904 became known as French Dahomey. The nationalist movement in Dahomey was deeply divided along territorial lines.

These tensions came to the surface after the Republic of Dahomey became a self-governing colony in December 1958. Three political rivals competed against each other in the first territorial elections: Sourou-Migan Apithy, from the South-East Porto Novo-region; Justin Ahomadégbé-Tomêtin from the South-West Abomey region; and Hubert Maga, from the North.

After the elections, riots broke out between supporters of the two southern leaders. Failing to agree on a division of power amongst themselves, Hubert Maga was chosen to be premier, as a compromise. He was inaugurated as the first president when Dahomey became independent on 1 August 1960.

After independence, political rivalry between the three remained. All three men served as president of Dahomey during the turbulent years between 1960 and 1972.

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