Beninese President Patrice Talon has confirmed he will not seek a third term, upholding the country’s constitutional two-term limit. However, he stressed that he will stay engaged in the leadership transition to ensure his successor continues the reforms of his administration.
“I have said this many times, and I will say it again: I will not run,” Talon stated in a recent interview. He expressed frustration over ongoing speculation, reminding the public that he strengthened the Constitution to prevent any leader from serving more than two terms.
Talon has been in power since 2016 and will complete his second term in 2026. The debate over his succession intensified in September 2024 after the arrest of his close ally, Olivier Boko, and former sports minister Oswald Homeky. Authorities accused both men of attempting a coup. In January, a court sentenced them to 20 years in prison for conspiring against the state.
Reflecting on the case, Talon described it as a personal and national tragedy. “The Olivier Boko case was a painful experience for me,” he said. He reaffirmed his decision to step down but emphasized the need for a stable leadership transition. “The next president of Benin must uphold our values and protect the progress we have made,” he added.
Security Concerns with Niger and Burkina Faso
Beyond domestic politics, Talon addressed growing tensions with Benin’s northern neighbors, Niger and Burkina Faso. He criticized the lack of security cooperation, warning that it has made the fight against terrorism more difficult. “We reach out regularly, but there is no response,” he noted. He added that armed groups are exploiting unguarded areas in Niger and Burkina Faso to regroup and launch attacks on Benin.
Both countries, now under military rule, have distanced themselves from Western allies. At the same time, their governments have accused Benin of allowing foreign military bases on its territory to destabilize them. Talon firmly rejected these claims. “If such bases existed, they would have been exposed by now. There is absolutely nothing like that on Beninese soil,” he stated.
As Benin prepares for a new leader, Talon’s remarks highlight the challenges ahead. While he plans to leave office, his influence on the country’s political future remains significant.