Capture of Abomey

The capture of Abomey on 17 November 1892 marked the fall of the last great independent kingdom of West Africa to French colonial forces. After the heavy defeat at Cana, King Béhanzin abandoned the capital, which was invested by Colonel Dodds's column without organized resistance. The last Dahomean troops dispersed into the forest. Abomey became a symbol of the end of local independence.

The Second Dahomey War was a methodical French campaign to eliminate all resistance to colonial control. After Cana, defender morale collapsed. Béhanzin, refusing capture, chose exile while the French entered the capital, ended the royal order, and installed their administration.

The French advance was cautious: Dodds divided his forces to encircle the town and avoid ambushes. Several rearguard actions opposed legionnaires to isolated groups of 'Amazons' and warriors, but most of the garrison had fled. The French column occupied the town, secured the royal palace, and disarmed the last defenders.

The capture of Abomey ended Dahomey's autonomy and symbolized French colonial victory in West Africa. King Béhanzin was captured in January 1894. Annexation of Dahomey allowed France to continue penetration toward the Niger and Nigeria. This victory sent shockwaves throughout West Africa.