The former Beninese head of state, Thomas Boni Yayi, takes the reins of his party The Democrats at the end of the first ordinary congress held this weekend in Parakou. With this appointment, the opposition party displays its ambitions for the 2026 general elections.
This choice was not made without difficulties, however. Two camps clashed, that of Éric Houndété, the outgoing president, and that of Thomas Boni Yayi. The discussions were tense, but ultimately it was the former head of state who was designated as party leader.
It is interesting to note that this designation comes at a time when certain former heads of state, such as Henri Konan Bédié in Côte d’Ivoire and Laurent Gbagbo in Côte d’Ivoire, also took the reins of their parties after their presidential mandate. Some see it as a natural continuity in political engagement.
However, it is important to note that the appointment of Thomas Boni Yayi was made without recourse to a vote. He was made president of the party, while Éric Houndété was named vice-president. An office of nearly 90 members was formed, with the arrival of new figures such as Chabi Yayi, son of the former president, Guy Mitokpè, former deputy, and Me Renaud Agbodjo, Récky Madougou’s lawyer.
The main concern of the Les Démocrates party is already focused on the general elections of 2026. The president of the organizing committee, Habibou Woroucoubou, displays his optimism by affirming that the party will take power on this date. This mobilization with a view to political change in 2026 is a direct response to the second and final term of President Patrice Talon, which will end that year.
Although he cannot run again due to his age (over 70) and his status as former head of state, Thomas Boni Yayi will play a key role in his party’s electoral campaign. The speeches heard during the congress were full of criticism of the power in place, reflecting the firm opposition of the Democrats party.
A special resolution also calls for the release and amnesty of Récky Madougou, sentenced to 20 years in prison for complicity in acts of terrorism. This request demonstrates the party’s desire to face legal problems and to highlight the values of justice and democracy.
Thomas Boni Yayi’s first steps as opposition leader are eagerly awaited. His relations with Patrice Talon, until now tense, could therefore experience new twists and turns in the months to come.
In summary, the congress of the Les Démocrates party in Benin was marked by the appointment of the former head of state Thomas Boni Yayi as new president. The party is targeting the 2026 general elections and wishes to highlight its values of justice and democracy. Relations between Thomas Boni Yayi and President Patrice Talon remain tense, paving the way for possible political confrontations in the years to come.