Benin President Romuald Wadagni celebrates 66th independence with military parade and pardons activist

On August 1, 2026 Benin marked its 66th anniversary of independence with a large civil‑military parade in Cotonou. President Romuald Wadagni highlighted the role of the armed forces, noting that “without them we could not have organized the ceremony in peace.” The display featured 36 foot patrols, 47 military vehicles, four navy vessels and a growing presence of female units across the army, police, navy and air force. A contingent from the Nigerian Armed Forces also took part, underscoring regional security cooperation.

Later that day the president granted a pardon to opposition activist Julien Kandé Kansou, who had been detained since June 2025 for a social‑media post calling for an “electoral revolution” over proposed internet taxes. Kansou’s release was part of a broader clemency that freed hundreds of prisoners, and his lawyer thanked Wadagni, saying “the people never forget what is done for national unity.”