This archive report was first published on 27 November 2019.
Benin, a former French colony and one of West Africa's most stable democracies, has been facing a political crisis since disputed parliamentary elections in April sparked mass protests.
President Patrice Talon, a former business magnate who came to power in 2016, has been accused of carrying out a concerted crackdown on his opponents that has driven key rivals into exile.
On November 20, the Benin authorities informed the European Union in Brussels of their decision to expel the EU envoy, German diplomat Oliver Nette, over his alleged 'excesses' in interfering in domestic affairs.
"For the EU, nothing can justify such a measure in the generally good relations that have existed up until now between the EU and Benin," a spokeswoman for the EU said.
"We have demanded as a matter of urgency from our partners in Benin some clarification on the specific reasons for their decision, but we have not received them yet," she added.
Benin's foreign minister had repeatedly warned Nette over his alleged interference, and he now has until December 1 to quit the West African nation.
