Judd and Nicole are joined by Mathias Hounkpe (OSIWA) to discuss U.S.-Benin relations. Mathias shares his vision for the Biden strategy toward the coastal West African state, including a shift of resources toward human rights and democratization as well as support on health, electrification, and seaport security. Mathias also stresses the critical need for Washington to protect its democratic identity at home, particularly as it engages on democratization issues in Africa. Plus, they discuss two prominent Beninese figures: singer-songwriter and feminist Angélique Kidjo, nicknamed “Africa’s premier diva” by Time Magazine, and the late Isidore de Souza, a priest who helped bring democracy to Benin in the late 20th century.