Benin: meeting between President Patrice Talon and opponent Boni Yayi

The president of Benin Patrice Talon and the opponent Boni Yayi, September 22, 2021 © Screenshot / Présidence du Bénin

Text by: RFI Follow

2 min

Beninese Head of State Patrice Talon met his predecessor and fierce opponent Boni Yayi this Wednesday, September 22 at the Marina Palace.

The two cold men had not seen each other since 2016. The ECOWAS had already attempted mediation, but Boni Yayi had boycotted the meeting.

This Wednesday, they saw each other face to face.

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Boni Yayi

arrived a little before 11 am, in the rain, wearing a white boubou, a traditional hat and a black mask. Patrice Talon

welcomed him on the 3rd floor

. And from the start, the atmosphere was cordial and Patrice Talon was the author of flattering words. “ 

Mr. President, delighted to welcome you here, where you have dedicated ten years of your life in Benin. I was waiting for this moment, all Beninese too. I am moved and very proud,

 ”he said.

Then there were very relaxed sequences, for a moment, 

Patrice Talon

whispers something in Boni Yayi's ear.

He repeats it to reporters: " 

President Talon says I have put on weight

 " and bursts of laughter erupted in the room.

Their last meeting was in 2016. This Wednesday, the tête-à-tête lasted fifty minutes.

"There are no deep problems between Patrice Talon and me"

At the end of this meeting, the two presidents were due to make a statement, but only Boni Yayi took the floor. The former president read a note: " 

We only talked about the Beninese people, the image of our country and the relaxation

 ". And he adds: “ 

There are no deep problems between Patrice Talon and

me. 

To achieve (this situation), I asked the president, who listened to me, the release of political and opinion prisoners.

 "

He mentioned the names of Reckya Madougou and Joël Aïvo, the end of political arrests, the return of political exiles and also mentioned Sébastien Ajavon, Komi Koutché and others.

Finally, he called for dialogue and periodic consultation with the former presidents.

Then, Yayi Boni concluded: “ 

I asked, but it is President Talon who decides.

 "

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  • Benign

  • Patrice Talon

  • Thomas Boni Yayi