Benin’s President Talon Affirms No Third Term Amid Succession Concerns

Benin’s President Patrice Talon has declared he will not run for a third term, maintaining a commitment to the constitution. He emphasized the importance of his successor continuing the reforms he initiated. Talon addressed security concerns regarding Niger and Burkina Faso while denying accusations of hosting foreign military bases.

In a recent statement, Benin’s President Patrice Talon confirmed that he will not pursue a third term, emphasizing adherence to constitutional limits. He expressed concern for his successor and intends to closely monitor the successor’s alignment with his reforms. Talon has held the presidency since 2016, and his current term concludes next year.

In an interview with Jeune Afrique, President Talon reiterated, “I’m telling you again for the umpteenth time, no, I will not be a candidate.” He underscored his role in reinforcing the constitution to prevent any individual from serving beyond two terms.

The matter of succession gained attention following the arrest of Talon’s friend, Olivier Boko, who was implicated in a coup attempt with former sports minister Oswald Homeky. Both men received 20-year prison sentences in January, which Talon described as a personal tragedy.

President Talon voiced his concerns about the prospects of his successor potentially reversing his decade-long reforms. He stated, “The next president of Benin will be my president, from my country, my family, my community and everything that is dear to me.”

Additionally, Talon criticized the deteriorating relations with neighboring countries Niger and Burkina Faso, calling attention to security cooperation failures. He pointed out that extremist violence has spread from these regions into Benin, while asserting, “There is obviously nothing like this on Beninese soil.”

President Patrice Talon’s announcement of not seeking a third term underlines his commitment to constitutional governance and his concerns about the future direction of Benin. His reflections on the significance of a faithful successor highlight his dedication to the reforms implemented during his administration. Furthermore, his remarks on regional security issues emphasize ongoing challenges in Benin’s interactions with its Sahelian neighbors.

Original Source: www.arabnews.com