Benin
Practice Relating to Rule 145. Reprisals
Benin’s Military Manual (1995) states: “As far as reprisals are concerned, under customary law, they are permitted to counter an unlawful act of warfare.”
The manual also states: “Acts of vengeance are prohibited.”
Benin’s Military Manual (1995) states that reprisals “may only be used if: … a prior warning is given”.
Benin’s Military Manual (1995) states that reprisals “may only be used if: … they are proportional to the violation of the law of war committed by the enemy”.
Benin’s Military Manual (1995) states that reprisals “may only be used if: … they are ordered at a high level”.
Benin’s Military Manual (1995) states that reprisals “may only be used if: … they cease as soon as the violation [of the law of war] which has triggered them ceases”.