The presidential election is scheduled for April 2026 in Benin, but the president of the country has already chosen to clarify matters. In an exclusive one-hour interview broadcast on the Beninese public television (ORTB) on the evening of December 23, Patrice Talon spoke about his departure in 2026, his succession, and rejected the opposition's persistent calls for amnesty, explaining that he has never benefited from it.
Speaking from the Palais de la Marina, Patrice Talon addressed various issues related to the current and future situation of Benin. He emphasized the significant transformations in the country since 2016, highlighting the infrastructure renovations and political reforms implemented.
Three days after his address to the National Assembly on the state of the nation, President Talon addressed various crucial questions through a recorded interview, broadcast on the national television ORTB and other private channels.
Patrice Talon confirms his departure at the end of his term. When asked about the possible candidacy of Olivier Boko in 2026, considered his alter ego, the president clearly stated that he does not actively support his friends or family in politics. "The time has not yet come, and I am not the type to promote my friends or family," he emphasized.
Regarding his succession in 2026, Patrice Talon confirms his departure but ensures that he will not remain inactive regarding the choice of the candidate to succeed him. He also asserted that there will be no candidates in Benin without a partisan affiliation. "It is the parties that will decide their candidate; their elected officials will provide the endorsements. And it is hoped that it will be so for there to be order," President Talon added.
The demands of the opposition, especially regarding National Assizes and amnesty for Reckiath Madougou and Joel Aivo, were categorically rejected by the president. "Selecting 10, 20, 30 people in the country and saying 'these, we grant them amnesty for everything they have done, whatever they have done,' is not possible," he declared.
Patrice Talon took the opportunity to shed unexpected light on the amnesty he allegedly received from his predecessor in 2015. Here is the essence of what he said:
"I have heard here and there that Patrice Talon himself benefited from the forgiveness of his predecessor, and today, he refuses to pardon political exiles and political convicts. Do you really want to know? It is important for the Beninese people to know what sometimes happens at the top of the state, at the level of the leaders to whom they entrust, for a time, their common destiny.
I will ask my elder, President YAYI Boni, my predecessor, to accept that we have discussions. We will do what is called in Fon 'Atchakpodji,' under the discussion tree. And we will sit down with some people, and we will talk. We will recount the events that happened at that time, especially between him and me, but which are not things that really concern Benin because it was a conflict between two individuals.
I mentioned it a bit. In 2006, I was a friend and supporter of President Boni Yayi, and then we did not agree on how the country was being run, on the governance of the country, and on the political projection. And it so damaged our relationship that it became an occasion for a tragicomedy with two men, but one that amused and worried the country. Thank God, things did not go beyond the theater that occurred. So I will tell you, no one has forgiven me for anything. There was, you know, a legal proceeding against me here, especially regarding the accusations I faced once I left the country.
I left the country because - I want to open a breach, a breach in history, while waiting for this solution of the discussion tree where we will put all this in the public square, in front of our fellow citizens so that people understand - there was a press conference by a certain Master Agbo on September 8, 2012, I believe. And Master Agbo reportedly said, because I did not follow the press conference, I was at a dinner, it was the anniversary of a friend who invited me to dinner, and I later learned that at this press conference, he would have said that President Yayi Boni would go over the bodies of Beninese people for a third term or to continue what was happening, and that the country was in very bad shape and that at the right time, the regime should pack its bags and sing a different tune.
The president at the time said or understood or decreed or imagined that I was behind this press conference, that I had commissioned this press conference. The next day, he was in Abuja, I will tell you, and instructed the State, Defense, and Security Services, not the Justice, to go after me. Someone among those who were instructed called me and said, 'Mr. Talon, we know that you are daring, fearless, but this time it is serious. We have been instructed to go after you by any means, leave the country, and don't be suicidal.' I informed my wife and said, 'I am not a fugitive, I will see what happens.' My wife said, 'Patrice, get up, out of the country, you will fight, but not underground. So, don't act foolishly.' Sometimes, when certain people speak, give me recommendations, I am obedient, as they say. I left. And then followed everything you know. Attempted coup, assassination, poisoning, and everything else. I am skipping details because we will talk about it on the day of the 'Atchakpodji.'"
