Get all your news in one place.
100's of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Radio France Internationale
Radio France Internationale
World
Melissa Chemam

Benin votes for new president amid 'severe restrictions' on civil liberties

Election campaign posters for opposition candidate Paul Hounkpe in Cotonou on 9 April 2026, ahead of Benin's presidential election on 12 April. © AFP - OLYMPIA DE MAISMONT

Benin's election this Sunday will decide who takes over from President Patrice Talon after a decade in power. With only two candidates running and authorities clamping down on critics, the prospects for change are limited.

After two five-year terms in office, Talon is barred by the constitution from standing again.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100's of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.