Benin bishops urge calm before April elections

President Patrice Talon, currently serving his second and final constitutional term, has reportedly denied any intention to amend the constitution to seek re-election.

The Catholic bishops of Benin Republic appealed for calm ahead of general elections slated for April.

In a statement issued at the end of its four-day plenary assembly, the Episcopal Conference of Benin (CEB) said that diversity in opinions should be a “source of strength” for the country’s democracy and called for unity amid “diverse interests and political differences in the country”.

“As our country heads towards the general elections in 2026, the bishops of Benin once again make an urgent appeal for the political atmosphere to be eased,” the CEB statement said.

“Diversity of opinions and parties should never be a source of division, but rather a source of strength for our democracy,” it continued. “Indeed, beyond partisan interests and political differences, what unites us as Beninese people is much stronger than what could divide us.”

The general elections are to include municipal, legislative and presidential votes.

President Patrice Talon, currently serving his second and final constitutional term, has reportedly denied any intention to amend the constitution to seek re-election. He faced a mutiny earlier in the year, but received support from the Nigerian military to suppress it.

Benin’s bishops urged political leaders, opinion-makers and all citizens to commit themselves resolutely to a spirit of sincere dialogue, mutual listening and national reconciliation.

They emphasised the importance of a climate of peace and trust, which they say is essential to guarantee the smooth running of the country’s elections.

“This climate must be underpinned by inclusive governance and fair management of electoral processes so that everyone feels part of the construction of our common future,” they said, inviting everyone, whatever their position or political affiliation, “to demonstrate great responsibility and sincere commitment to serving the supreme interest of the nation”.

Reminding the Beninese of the country’s motto, “Fraternity, Justice, Work”, the CEB said: “This unity, rooted in our shared history and cultural heritage, is the foundation on which we must build a strong and prosperous nation.”

The bishops prayed that the peace of Christ will enlighten the hearts and guide the actions of all those in charge of the destiny of Benin.

They also offered their condolences to the families bereaved by the loss of soldiers killed in a jihadist attack on 8 January near the triple border between Benin, Niger and Burkina Faso.

A jihadist formation from Burkina Faso reportedly attacked the border post, killing at least 28 Beninese soldiers. The attack was claimed by the Group for the Support of Islam and Muslims, which is affiliated with al-Qaeda.

The bishops noted that the soldiers who were killed “fell at the front in the performance of their duty” and prayed: “May the God of infinite mercies welcome their souls into his light and console the hearts that have been tested by this tragedy.”

They also expressed their concern about the growth of cybercrime in the country, which they say attracts many young people with “the promise of easy profits”.

“In their quest for easy money, many young people continue to swindle, posing a permanent threat to the security and peace of mind of our peaceful citizens,” CEB members said, expressing their “urgent call to conversion” and reminding youths in Benin that ill-gotten gains never come to good.

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