Benin’s President Patrice Talon has once again dismissed speculation that he might seek a controversial third term, insisting that he will not run in 2026 but will be keeping a close eye on his successor.
Speaking in an interview with Jeune Afrique on Friday, Talon was emphatic:
“No, I will not be a candidate. I have strengthened the constitution myself to ensure no one serves more than two terms.”
Talon, who first took office in 2016, has positioned himself as a reformist leader. However, his presidency has been marked by political tension, including the arrest of his close ally Olivier Boko last year over an alleged coup plot. Boko and former sports minister Oswald Homeky were sentenced to 20 years in prison in January for plotting against the state.
A Watchful Eye on His Successor
While stepping away from power, Talon made it clear that he intends to influence the future leadership of Benin, ensuring that his decade of reforms is not undone.
“The next president of Benin will be my president—of my country, my family, my community,” he said, emphasizing his commitment to preserving his administration’s policies.
Tensions with Niger and Burkina Faso
Talon also addressed strained relations with Benin’s Sahelian neighbors, Niger and Burkina Faso, both ruled by military juntas. He expressed frustration over their lack of security cooperation, despite growing terrorist threats along Benin’s northern border.
“We reach out to them regularly, but we don’t get a response,” he revealed, accusing Niger and Burkina Faso of allowing terrorist groups to operate unchecked in border regions.
Meanwhile, Niger and Burkina Faso have accused Benin of harboring foreign military bases with intentions to destabilize them—an allegation Talon flatly denied.
“There is obviously nothing like this on Beninese soil,” he stated.
With political uncertainty and security challenges looming, all eyes will be on who Talon endorses to take over in 2026—and whether his influence will shape Benin’s future beyond his presidency.
