All the actors saw their image tarnished by political activism which was hardly salable in the era of rupture, the renewal of the political class, the almost “dégagisme” that Benin has been experiencing since 2016 was merciless for many. The political-sociocultural space is so dry that at the start of the electoral process, Benin wonders about the face that will go with Patrice Talon to these games. Mariam Chabi Talata Zimé, was the choice of Patrice Talon. An almost risky draw as, the Beninese did not know their probable future vice-president.
It is in her office on the premises of the National Assembly that the first vice-president agrees to receive us. Between two ceremonies that she presides over this Saturday morning we will be introduced by a protocol, almost non-existent. Protocol made by private secretary, assistant and bodyguards. Mariam Chabi Talata Zimé Yérima, it is simplicity imported into high republican offices. Her entourage, a mixture of several elements from different promotions of its former students. We will have a total interview of 17 minutes. Enough for the one who, That day, must give a speech to the youth parliament at the end of the session. At the time she herself was far from betting on this destiny which today moves at a thousand miles an hour.
Mariam Chabi Talata Zimé, for many, is only the first vice-president of the National Assembly. A legislature whose establishment was not the best time for democratic Benin. The number 2 of parliament is precisely damaged in terms of political visibility by its membership in this 8th legislature. Still, she remains equal to herself. She is respected, dubbed and even venerated in circles of feminine influence. It also has a considerable reputation and positioning in the intellectual backstage of the four departments of the North and even Collines.. She is seen as one of the rare figures still fiercely committed to a society balanced between emancipation and conservation of the achievements of a tradition of which she is proud..
Feminism, according to Tuesday Zimé
The first vice-president of the Beninese parliament is a unique activist for women's causes. His gender battle, she leads him against the tide. When most feminists find in tradition, elements of social inequity, someone else finds something that needs to be highlighted. This is the case of Bariba royalty with palaces where the woman is more than consecrated, placed at the heart of traditional power. She has to her credit a documentary on the subject entitled : "A Kogui, the empress of Baru Tem ». Mariam Chabi Talata Zimé Yérima, it is also an intractable rigor. Who, younger generations, could have forgotten the purge of unscrupulous teachers and students that she inflicted on the Hubert Koutoukou Maga college in the years 2000. What about also her particular opposition to Yayi governance, the flaws of which she has never ceased to denounce throughout her time? 10 years in office?
Political achievement ? Non
The political career of Mariam Chabi Talata and Zimé Yérima is little known to Beninese people. She is seen as this substitute who achieved her goals thanks to the withdrawal of the Minister of the Interior Sacca Lafia following the legislative elections in 2019. However, the first vice-president of the National Assembly, Borgou coordinator of the Progressive Union has a career far from being that of a political upstart. This former icon of the Sun Alliance has, for more than one mandate, served on the Parakou municipal council. She will have been in this capacity, president of l’UFeC/ABC (Union of local elected women of Alibori, Borgou and the Hills). With UFeC/ABC, she has a platform to deliver her message of demand for equal representation of men and women on the lists of political parties during electoral contests. The network also becomes a shield for vulnerable groups, especially young girls.. The beginning of a political anchor, visibility and influence that will conquer hearts, especially since Mariam Chabi Talata's initiatives are carried out discreetly far from the political boasting which annoys the populations. A policy of direct contact with the base, populations during 17 years under one banner. That of the Union for Democracy and National Solidarity (UDS) of Minister Sacca Lafia. Proof of unwavering loyalty.
This political activism with strong feminist and cultural connotations is not the only fight of the philosophy teacher. in parallel, she is engaged on the teaching front. High school teacher, censor, she was made an educational advisor before ending up at the Ministry of Secondary Education and Vocational Training as National Director of Secondary Education, poste qu’elle va quitter pour le parlement.
A claimed heelist
In the north, the political bridgeheads have either fallen into clandestinity and political silence, either changed sides. Many have reluctantly embraced “heelism”, some willingly. The first vice-president of parliament is part of this last class of politics in harmony with the reign of the current head of state.
Under Yayi, she never stopped denouncing the exorbitant power of money. The fierce fight against corruption, the sanitation of the political class, the rejuvenation of it and the greater opportunity offered to women by the current constitutional provisions are the elements which have always concerned the elected representative of Parakou. Talon and her politically it is a tandem from which she knows so far to take advantage in terms of aura.
Latifou Sana Sarè Boni (Coll)