Benin’s President Patrice Talon has reiterated that he will not seek an unconstitutional third term in office, while stressing that he will be vigilant about his successor’s policies to ensure continuity in the country’s reforms.
In an interview with Jeune Afrique on Friday, Talon dismissed speculation about an extended stay in power, saying, “I’m telling you again for the umpteenth time, no, I will not be a candidate. This question troubles me. I have strengthened the constitution myself to stipulate that no one can serve more than two terms in their life.”
Talon, a former businessman who has led the West African nation since 2016, will complete his second and final term next year. However, discussions about his succession gained momentum last September when his close associate, Olivier Boko, and former sports minister Oswald Homeky were accused of attempting a coup. Both were sentenced to 20 years in prison in January for “plotting against the authority of the state.”
“I experienced the Olivier Boko episode like a drama and personal tragedy,” Talon admitted.
While pledging to step down as required by law, he made it clear that he would closely monitor the transition. “The next president of Benin will be my president, from my country, my family, my community, and everything that is dear to me,” he said, adding that he would be “careful” to ensure that his successor does not seek to undo what he sees as a decade of crucial reforms.
Beyond domestic politics, Talon expressed concern over deteriorating relations with neighbouring Niger and Burkina Faso, both of which are now under military rule. He lamented the lack of security cooperation, particularly as jihadist violence continues to spill over Benin’s northern border.
“We contact them regularly,” he said. “We don’t get a response.”
He accused Niger and Burkina Faso of allowing terrorist groups to operate unchecked in border regions, which has led to intensified attacks on Benin’s security forces. “Our army is facing terrorist groups that operate freely in sanctuaries deserted by the defence and security forces” of those countries, “which allows them to regroup and attack en masse,” he warned.
The governments in Niamey and Ouagadougou, however, have accused Benin of hosting foreign military bases aimed at destabilising their regimes—an allegation Talon firmly rejected. “There is obviously nothing like this on Beninese soil,” he said.
