Politics Benin votes after attempted coup - successor is set to be elected
A few months after a foiled coup attempt, the West African coastal state of Benin is electing a new president. Observers expect a victory for Finance Minister Romuald Wadagni (49), who was sent into the race by incumbent Patrice Talon as his protégé and successor. Talon himself is no longer allowed to run after ten years at the helm of Nigeria's small French-speaking neighbor.
12.04.2026, 07:28
SDA
Under Talon, Benin's approximately 15 million inhabitants, most of whom live from cotton and cashew farming, experienced considerable economic growth, but also restrictions on political freedoms. The weakened and divided opposition is only fielding one opposing candidate. The ruling coalition won all seats in the parliamentary elections in January.
Islamist terror in the north of the country
In December, a group of mutinous soldiers announced a coup d'état on state television. However, the government and the rest of the military regained the upper hand within a few hours. Nigeria helped with air strikes and a task force as part of the regional community of states Ecowas. Several dozen suspects accused of involvement are in custody.
The coup plotters cited the deteriorating security situation in the north of the country as one of their motivations. Islamist terrorist groups from the neighboring northern states of Burkina Faso and Niger are increasingly expanding there, finding shelter in densely forested nature reserves along the border. Despite increased deployment, Benin experienced its deadliest attack to date last year, with 54 soldiers killed.
