With the 2026 general elections on the horizon, political maneuvering in Benin is already raising concerns among observers and dominating newspaper headlines.
Most dailies on Monday featured the topic on their front pages. Le Soleil Bénin Info highlights it with the headline: “2026 presidential election: Talon is leaving but remains the master of the game and time.” According to the paper, both the ruling party and the opposition are keeping their cards close to their chest. L’Emblème du Jour takes a closer look and argues that President Talon is not the only one pulling the strings. The outlet identifies key figures alongside him: Yayi, Houngbédji, Djogbénou, Bio Tchané, and Hounkpè. These six prominent political players are described as the real architects of the upcoming electoral battle, working behind the scenes.
Adding weight to this narrative, former president Boni Yayi continues to discreetly advance his strategy. He has held meetings with political figures such as Houngbédji, Amoussou, Nago, Idji, Holo, and Dossou. The newspaper Fraternité suggests that Yayi is actively seeking new allies. Le Télégramme also picked up the story with the headline: “Cadjèhoun: former president Boni Yayi and Adrien Houngbédji meet again.” La Presse du Jour reports that this latest meeting took place last Saturday and hints at a rapprochement that could significantly challenge President Talon’s camp.
Meanwhile, the search for a potential ruling party candidate continues. Nouvelle Expression explores the possibility of Finance Minister Romuald Wadagni stepping forward, highlighting his challenge in building grassroots support. Gaskiyani Info, for its part, avoids naming names but is convinced that President Talon’s surprise successor will be a discreet yet essential loyalist.
Other headlines: terrorism threat in the north and public land management
In parallel with the political developments, Gaskiyani Info reports on the government’s move to free up public land reserves, noting that Abomey-Calavi has begun taking action. L’Événement Précis also features the topic on its front page under the headline: “Abomey-Calavi launches the census and release of administrative reserves.”
Meanwhile, Le Matinal turns its attention to the growing terrorist threat in northern Benin, reporting that an outpost of the Republican Police was attacked in Kouandé. Le Télégramme provides further details, clarifying that it was a police station that came under attack. On the security front in the south, Le Meilleur reports that police in Cotonou’s 6th arrondissement intercepted 133 kilograms of counterfeit pharmaceutical products.