Republic in West Africa; capital Porto-Novo (5)

I believe the answer is:

benin

(Other definitions for benin that I've seen before include "West African country, formerly French colony of Dahomey" , "West African state, formerly called Dahomey" , "Republic in West Africa" , "West Africa country, formerly a French colony" , "French-speaking West African country" .)

I've seen this clue in The Mirror.

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