Benin President Talon Rules Out Third Term, Vows to Oversee Successor’s Selection

On Friday, the President of the Republic of Benin, Patrice Talon announced that he will not seek a third term in office that would violate the constitution, but he will closely monitor the selection of his successor. 

The former businessman has led the small West African country since 2016, and his current term is set to conclude next year.

“I’m telling you again for the umpteenth time, no, I will not be a candidate,” he said in an interview with Jeune Afrique.

“This question troubles me. I have strengthened the constitution myself to stipulate that no one can serve more than two terms in their life.”

The issue of his succession resurfaced in September of the previous year when Olivier Boko, a close associate, was detained on allegations of conspiring to overthrow the government alongside former sports minister Oswald Homeky. In January, both individuals received 20-year prison sentences for conspiring against the authority of the state.

“I experienced the Olivier Boko episode like a drama and personal tragedy,” Talon was quoted as saying in the interview.

He stated that he would be "cautious" in selecting his successor and aimed to ensure that the incoming leader would not seek to undo what he described as ten years of reforms.

“The next president of Benin will be my president, from my country, my family, my community and everything that is dear to me,” he added.

Talon further expressed his concerns about the "deteriorating" relationships with Benin's Sahelian neighbors, Niger and Burkina Faso, highlighting the absence of security collaboration.

“We contact them regularly,” he said. “We don’t get a response.”

“Our army is facing terrorist groups that operate freely in sanctuaries deserted by the defence and security forces” of Niger and Burkina Faso, “which allows them to regroup and attack en masse,” he added.

Niger and Burkina Faso, which share a northern border with Benin, are currently led by military juntas that have rejected Western assistance. Jihadist violence has crossed into Benin, but the governments in Niame. 

“There is obviously nothing like this on Beninese soil,” he added.