On this day in 1977, French mercenaries attempted to overthrow the People's Republic of Benin. President Kérékou’s Presidential Guard, aided by North Korean soldiers, effectively repelled the invading force, and the coup failed.

Following a coup of young military officers in 1972, the junta government of Benin (then known as Dahomey) would cooperate closely with various domestic socialist political groups.

This leftward turn would culminate in President Mathieu Kérékou proclaiming the formal accession of his government to Marxism-Leninism in 1974, and the official establishment of the People's Republic of Benin in 1975.

Benin's turn towards socialism would draw the ire of its former colonial master, France. A small group of Beninese political exiles would make their home in France and conspire with Robert Denard, a notorious French, anti-communist, imperialist mercenary.

Denard and the exiles would form a small army of around 150 hired guns. Led by Denard, this group created a planned to depose Kérékou and received funds, arms, and training from several pro-French African governments, including Morocco, Togo, and the Ivory Coast.

The mercenaries departed from a Gabonese airstrip in the early hours of January 16th, 1977, disguised as a civilian aircraft and destined for Cotonou, the executive seat of the government of Benin.

Upon landing at the Cotonou airport around 7 am, the mercenaries quickly took control of both air traffic control and the airport's main terminal, then advanced towards the Presidential Palace.

Kérékou, informed of the ongoing assault, would call on civilians over the radio to take up arms in defense against the coup. The Army, Presidential Guard, which President Kérékou had expanded North Korean soldiers, and armed civilians defend the Presidential Palace until the mercenaries retreated back to the airport and returned to Gabon.

Seven Beninese were killed during the attack: 6 soldiers and 1 civilian. A large monument in central Cotonou was erected in their memory in 1979.

Today, January 16th is celebrated as Martyr's Day in Benin to commemorate those who lost their lives fighting against neo-colonialism.

In 1977, 80 Mercenaries Nearly Took Over Benin :france-cool:

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  • keepcarrot [she/her]
    ·
    2 years ago

    Almost cried at the public housing office. They're backed up to the nines though, so it isn't a solution for the next couple of years.

    Periodically going in and out of panics.

    • scarletdevil [she/her]
      ·
      2 years ago

      Yeah public housing is so underfunded and under supply no one can get in when they actually need it the most. And trying to play catch up on rent just puts you further behind ;/

      Do you have anywhere to go? I lived in my car before and had to squat in a foreclosed home years ago, it's neither safe nor mentally healthy to have to do so. No one should ever have to face that.

      • keepcarrot [she/her]
        ·
        2 years ago

        No car, so it's hiding in some bushes and stuff. :/ Couch surfing hopefully.

        • scarletdevil [she/her]
          ·
          2 years ago

          Jeez, bundle up, it's cold out :/ Eventually things get better... stay strong you can make it. Lots of love <3

          • keepcarrot [she/her]
            ·
            2 years ago

            It's quite warm here, but it feels a lot colder when your body is trying to sleep. I've slept out on the streets before.

            • scarletdevil [she/her]
              ·
              2 years ago

              Oh thats good its warm at least.. stay safe tho. Hopefully you can find a place soon girl

              • keepcarrot [she/her]
                ·
                2 years ago

                Solidarity. I have a few people reaching out about possibilities. I have some places to store most of my stuff, at least. <3