Benin President Talon Says He’s Not Ruling 3rd Term

The President of Benin, Patrice Talon, says he will not be seeking a third term of office.

Despite calls from his close associates, President Talon says he wants to step down after serving his current term.

He made his position known through his spokesperson, Wilfried Leandre Houngbedji, on Sunday, July 20, who spoke during an appearance on the private channel Canal 3 Benin.

Houngbedji says numerous voices, both within and outside the ruling circle, have encouraged President Talon to consider amending the constitution to extend his tenure. These suggestions often cite examples of other African leaders who have “embodied their vision” beyond the conventional two terms.

However, Houngbedji said President Talon has consistently dismissed such proposals. “He asked his interlocutors: how many of you imagined that we could have achieved so much in such a short time? And if you didn’t, why think that whoever comes after me won’t do as much, or even more?” the spokesperson quoted Talon as saying.

The Beninese head of state believes that national development achievements should not be jeopardized to satisfy personal ambition. “I would have been nothing more than a catalyst, a trigger to show that it’s possible. I am convinced that there are other Beninese capable of doing better,” Talon reportedly told his colleagues, according to Houngbedji.

Even in the face of potential popular pressure, President Talon is expected to remain unwavering. “The texts are what they are, and the president himself said: I don’t want to. Benin is greater than all of us,” the spokesperson emphasized. The government hopes that this principled stand will contribute to establishing a lasting democratic dynamic in the country, where each president serves their constitutionally mandated term(s) before facilitating a peaceful transfer of power.

The next Beninese presidential election is scheduled for April 2026, now less than nine months away. To date, neither the presidential party nor the opposition has officially nominated a candidate, although several figures close to the government, such as Minister Romuald Wadagni and Joseph Djogbenou, have been mentioned as potential contenders. The opposition, particularly former President Boni Yayi’s ‘Les Démocrates’ party, is actively organizing to present a single candidate in an effort to maximize its electoral chances. This pre-election period, marked by some uncertainty, will be crucial in defining the candidate landscape and ensuring a transparent and peaceful election.

Source:Africa Publicity