In the dynamic political world of Benin, an intriguing phenomenon captures the attention of researchers: the return of kings in the public sphere. This phenomenon, although rooted in history, has intensified since the National Conference of the 1990s. This study explores how precolonial royal figures integrate into Beninese modernity.
The Heritage of Monarchies
Since the early days of colonization, the kings of Benin have been at the center of attention. Successive governments have attempted to heritage these emblematic figures to appropriate a part of their symbolic power. This heritagization is a process by which current authorities attempt to legitimize their power by relying on the historical richness of monarchies.
Theories of Power and Representation
The study draws on the theories of Louis Marin and Claude Lefort to analyze this phenomenon. Marin proposes that the very re-presentation of kings is a source of power. The portraits and narratives surrounding the kings serve to reinforce their symbolic authority. Lefort, on the other hand, suggests that in a democracy, power resides in an empty space, liable to be occupied by different actors. These theories help to understand how kings, as symbols of precolonial authority, continue to influence the modern political structure of Benin.
The Impact on Democratization and Decentralization
The presence of kings in the Beninese public sphere isn't only symbolic. It plays an active role in the processes of democratization and decentralization. By drawing on the images of power associated with royalty, contemporary Benin finds ways to balance centralized powers with strengthened local structures. This dynamic enriches the democratic fabric by integrating elements of tradition into modern governance.
The return of kings to Ouidah is much more than a mere resurgence of interest in the past. It's a reaffirmation of cultural identity and a driver for the country's political development. Through this analysis, the article offers valuable insight into how the past and present intertwine to shape the future of Benin.
Academic Reference & Citation
If you wish to cite this research work in an academic context, please use the following reference:
Kadya Emmanuelle Tall. OF KINGS, HERITAGE, AND DEMOCRACY IN BENIN. Anthropology and Societies, 2016, 40 (2), pp.249-271. ⟨hal-01435658⟩
Summary and adaptation proposed by Ouidah Origins.
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