Patrice Talon

Patrice Talon served as the president of Benin from 2016 to 2026. His tenure was marked by a mixed record of economic growth alongside a decline in political freedoms. His administration established a new court, the Court for the Repression of Economic Crimes and Terrorism (CRIET), which has been utilized to suppress journalists and political opposition.1

Changes to electoral laws prior to the 2019 legislative elections imposed strict eligibility criteria and high fees, resulting in only presidentially allied parties qualifying to field candidates. This led to protests that were met with a harsh response from security forces. A constitutional amendment in 2019 introduced the position of vice president, with Talon and Mariam Chabi Talata winning the 2021 presidential election under this new system.1

During his second term, Benin faced increasing security threats from militant groups near its northern borders. Despite efforts to combat these groups, militant attacks escalated. Constitutional amendments in 2025 extended presidential and legislative terms to seven years and introduced a "political truce" period where opposition criticism is restricted. A military coup attempt in December 2025 was quickly subdued with international assistance. In the April 2026 election, Talon's chosen successor, Romuald Wadagni, was elected president.1