By Guy Feugap, Africa Organizer, World BEYOND War, August 5, 2026
After a long period of uncertainty that raised fears of the cancellation of the 2026 World Social Forum, the Government of Benin finally authorized this important gathering of social movements to take place. World BEYOND War welcomes this decision and the power of nonviolent action by civil society.
The African Organizer of World BEYOND War arrived in Cotonou on August 3, 2026, to contribute to the Forum through several initiatives, including the official launch of the World BEYOND War Benin chapter and a series of international dialogues on war in Sudan. The Forum’s opening march, along with other activities planned at the official venue, could not take place because of a last-minute cancellation by the Government of Benin. These events are regrettable at a time when Africa is facing armed conflicts, humanitarian crises, and growing militarization. Spaces for dialogue, cooperation, and peacebuilding such as the World Social Forum are more necessary than ever. It is paradoxical that a continent suffering so deeply from the consequences of war should trivialize a gathering dedicated to peace and international solidarity.
Faced with this situation, the participating organizations did not give into discouragement. They multiplied consultations, coordinated their positions, and continued their exchanges in a spirit of solidarity and nonviolence. This calm and determined mobilization helped maintain pressure in favor of holding the Forum and reminded everyone of the importance of respecting civic freedoms and spaces for dialogue.
The decision of the Beninese authorities to finally authorize the Forum is an encouraging signal. It shows that peaceful citizen mobilization can produce concrete results. This development represents a victory for the organizations present in Cotonou, and also for all those who believe in the power of nonviolent action to defend rights, democracy, and peace.
World BEYOND War congratulates all the social movements, the organizations present in Cotonou, and the thousands of activists who remained mobilized throughout this period of uncertainty. We also welcome the arrival of the West African Peace Caravan, now authorized to join the Forum. We express our solidarity with the participants who were deported at Benin’s borders. The challenges facing Africa and the world require more dialogue, more cooperation, and more solidarity. World BEYOND War will participate in the Forum with even greater commitment and will work with African and international movements to build a world beyond war, founded on justice, common security, and human dignity.
La résistance citoyenne non violente fait avancer le Forum social mondial au Bénin Guy Feugap, Organisateur Africain de World BEYOND War