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A modest independence day in Benin due to the Covid-19

2020-08-01T13:49:29.254Z


Benin celebrated Saturday, August 1 the sixtieth anniversary of its accession to independence without the traditional demonstrations, due to the distancing measures imposed in the fight against Covid-19. The government of Benin had announced that there would be no festivity and canceled the traditional parade of security and defense forces, considered the biggest attraction of this commemoration ...


Benin celebrated Saturday, August 1 the sixtieth anniversary of its accession to independence without the traditional demonstrations, due to the distancing measures imposed in the fight against Covid-19.

The government of Benin had announced that there would be no festivity and canceled the traditional parade of security and defense forces, considered the biggest attraction of this commemoration for 60 years. however, it did not arouse any reactions or protests.

President Patrice Talon nevertheless proceeded to a wreath laying ceremony in the place of the war memorial, after having lit the " flame of hope " there.

He then took part in a modest ceremony of taking up arms and reviewing the troops in front of a small detachment of the republican police, the air force, the naval forces, and the air force. and the National Guard, a newly created component within the military. The two ceremonies lasted only ten minutes.

"It is the most serious health crisis of our time"

The day before, he had sent his traditional message to the nation broadcast on television and on social networks.

The celebration of this national holiday takes place in a very specific context, marked by the Covid-19 pandemic. It is the most serious health crisis of our time. It is coupled with an economic crisis which is just as worrying ”, indicated the president.

He maintains that he has implemented " a courageous response policy, with significant financial resources ", in order to " prevent the spread of the pandemic and ensure the effective care of those affected ".

On July 31, the government announced that it wanted to support farms and small and medium-sized enterprises with a financial plan of 100 billion CFA francs (More than 152 million euros).

Benin recorded Saturday, August 1 more than 1,770 confirmed cases and more than 35 deaths, but the number of tests carried out remains insufficient to give a precise idea of ​​the spread in this West African country.

Source: lefigaro

All news articles on 2020-08-01

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