Three years from the end of his mandate : Talon takes care of its image

Long labeled an outcast of his neighbors by his political opponents, Patrice Talon seems decided to abandon this image. These last months, the President of the Republic of Benin has multiplied diplomatic offensives with solicitations in the sub-region. The nail, is the warming of relations with Nigeria, a country with which Benin shares its eastern border. Behind this diplomatic embellishment, Adjadi Bakry, the brand new Minister of Foreign Affairs.

“You will elect me, give me the job and I'll do it for two, three or four years first and you will decide if I am “Agbonnon” (fortune) declared the Head of State in 2016. If at the beginning of his mandate, things got off to a timid start with breakages here and there, tension there, the deal begins to change and the scales balance in its favor. This is at least what emerges from the facts and acts that Patrice Talon has been posing for a few months. From the construction of roads to monuments and the modernization of airport infrastructure, Patrice Talon begins by adding a new string to his bow. The diplomatic weapon. What had been its weak link since 2016 in this case the relations between Benin and Nigeria, totally degraded as soon as he came to power.
Today, the two countries spin an almost perfect idyll. The arrival of the new Nigerian president, Bola Ahmed Tinubu coupled with the appointment of Adjadi Oloushégun Bakary are these facilitating elements. L’axe Abuja- Cotonou is more than warmed up under the dome of the very young Minister of Foreign Affairs. The two Heads of State consult and meet regularly. The businessmen of this country, 5e OPEC producer and 10th worldwide, in short, the 6th oil-exporting country can now set foot in Benin. The greatest businessman in Africa was even received at the Palais de Marina. A rapprochement much appreciated by the population. Within two months, Aliko Dangoté came to Benin and even attended the August 1 parade. Since then, citizens hope that the first fortune of Africa could allow them to have cement and other products at low cost.

Strong conciliatory measures

Towards the end of June, the 21 precisely, strong measures are taken to facilitate the daily life and socio-professional integration of people with disabilities. In the same vein, his government launched compulsory health insurance. Training and employment projects such as Azôli, microfinance and other are initiated. If the emerging trend were to take shape completely, things are likely to turn in his favor 2026. And everything shows that the improvements that can be observed in economic terms, social, cultural will go crescendo.

The man has several pawns like Romuald Wadagni, Aurélie Adam Soulé Zoumarou and the new darling of the government Adjadi Oloushégun Bakary. With the dynamism of his minister who immediately showed his relational pragmatism, heel takes, as always one step ahead of the others. With political tension lowered on top, he risks surprising his opponents because his runner-up will have the consent of the majority in 2026. Just because, the achievements and record of the outgoing government will speak in favor of his government and of the one he chooses as runner-up. The Beninese people in their maturity knowing how to get the wheat from the chaff will be able to give them back their own coin. What do the people want in the end? ” Panem and Cicense “, bread and games as they said in ancient Rome.

Arnaud ACAKPO (Coll)