The International Peace Bureau (IPB) expresses its deepest concern and regret with the sudden, unexpected, and undemocratic decision of the government of Benin to cancel the World Social Forum and to deny entry to international delegations and caravans. The last-minute decision to block the event, which expected tens of thousands of participants from across Africa and beyond, is yet another sign of the continued global trend of repression of civil society movements.
Among those deported was IPB Council Member Tord Björk of Sweden, who had organized activities on behalf of our organization to emphasize the interconnected struggles between the peace movement and other social movements, including youth, farmers, and environmental activists.
IPB stands in solidarity with the organizers and participants of the World Social Forum and calls on the government of Benin to end its repression of World Social Forum participants, allow entry and to open up space for civil society.
