- U.S. Ambassador to UN, Linda Thomas-Greenfield laments including use of defamation charges to detain political prisoners in during meeting with Benin Republic Foreign Minister, Aurelien Agbénonci
The U.S. has raised alarm at the erosion of democratic norms in Benin Republic, saying that it deplores a situation including the use of defamation charges to detain political prisoners.
The U.S. Ambassador to UN, Linda Thomas-Greenfield, told Benin Republic Foreign Minister, Aurelien Agbénonci, in a meeting that her country hopes to “make progress together on a democratic path forward for Benin.”
A statement on the meeting by the U.S. Mission to the UN said: “U.S. Representative to the United Nations Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield met today with Beninese Foreign Minister Aurelien Agbénonci, Minister of Economy and Finance Romuald Wadagni, and Minister of State in Charge of Planning and Development Abdoulaye Bio Tchane.
“Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield expressed that the United States values its partnership and cultural ties with Benin and noted our sincere hope to make progress together on a democratic path forward for Benin.
“Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield expressed disappointment over the erosion of democratic norms in Benin, including the use of defamation charges to detain political prisoners.
“She pressed the ministers to put an end to these practices and to pursue confidence building measures that restore public trust in the government.
“Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield also underscored the need to safeguard the integrity of the UN system and the multilateral institutions, the importance of focusing UN development work on first helping those furthest behind, and the United States’ leading role and assistance in pandemic recovery efforts.”
