Escalating tensions erupted into chaos as police in Benin fired tear gas to disrupt a major protest over the soaring cost of living on Saturday. The demonstration, organized by several influential trade unions, was met with a stern response, including the arrest of prominent union leaders.

Armed police established blockades around the labour council's headquarters in Cotonou, preventing access to the scheduled protest site and turning away members of the press. Despite these measures, groups of protesters managed to assemble nearby, voicing their grievances through placards and union attire.

Among the arrested were Moudassirou Bachabi, leader of the General Confederation of Workers of Benin (CGTB), and Anselme Amoussou, head of CSA-Benin, as confirmed by CGTB deputy general secretary Anita Bossoukpe. In total, 18 demonstrators were detained, further intensifying the standoff.

This sentiment is widespread as Benin struggles with inflation, particularly in essential goods such as corn, gari flour, beans, and cowpeas. Despite a recent increase, the guaranteed minimum wage in Benin remains a modest 52,000 CFA francs ($85) per month, insufficient to keep pace with escalating prices.

This unrest comes at a time when the International Monetary Fund highlights a lackluster economic recovery in sub-Saharan Africa, with incomes lagging significantly behind global averages.

As Benin faces economic challenges, the government's strategy, including a new sovereign dollar bond, is under scrutiny. The community and its leaders call for meaningful reforms to address the deepening economic divide.