Speech on the state of the nation in Benin: Patrice Talon evokes the Covid-19 and terrorism

The President of Benin, Patrice Talon.

Sia KAMBOO / AFP

Text by: RFI Follow

1 min

In his very first speech on the state of the nation before the deputies since his disputed re-election in April 2021, the Beninese president mentioned the health crisis linked to Covid-19 and especially the attacks that have occurred in recent weeks in the northwest from the country. 

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With our correspondent in Cotonou

,

Exercise is a constitutional obligation.

Once a year,

delivers a speech to the deputies on the state of the nation.

This year, “ 

” and “ 

” represented the commitment made by Patrice Talon to the deputies on the fight against terrorism, before announcing a considerable strengthening of the operational capacities of the army.

" 

" admitted the president.

Officially, three terrorist attacks killed three Beninese soldiers in Porga and Arli in December.

Benin had been in prevention for two years, said Patrice Talon, and this, according to him, allowed to suffocate

the inclinations of incursion and to make justified arrests.

16% vaccination coverage

The Head of State also discussed his response plan against Covid-19.

In particular by calling for vaccination because the vaccination coverage rate is low: around 16%, according to our information. 

On the other hand, he hardly mentioned

or the political easing demanded by his opponents since 2019. Nothing either on the detainees or the condemned opponents.

However, a streak has toured social networks.

From the podium, Patrice Talon declared: 

 The deputies applauded and his entourage interpreted that Patrice Talon would not

 that he would respect the Constitution and leave power in 2026.

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• Africa

• Benign

• Patrice Talon

• Terrorism

• Coronavirus