FORGOTTEN HISTORY: Patrice talon - The Untold Story

Economic growth and democratic decline: the ‘cotton king’ who reshaped Benin

Patrice Talon has transformed the west African country’s economy and infrastructure at the expense of political freedom

The Guardian - UK · Sep 30

Ex-Benin president Talon makes political comeback via newly founded Senate

Benin’s newly created Senate elected former president Patrice Talon as its leader on Thursday in Porto-Novo, less than three months after he left office. He will serve a five-year term at the head of the country’s new second chamber of Parliament.

Radio France Internationale · Aug 7

Benin’s new Senate raises questions over power and legitimacy

Benin’s new senate was inaugurated in Porto-Novo last week, creating a second chamber of parliament with powers to review legislation, protect constitutional rules and discipline political figures.

Radio France Internationale · Aug 3

Benin holds presidential election four months after failed coup

As president Patrice Talon steps down after a decade, the west African country’s finance minister is favourite to win

The Guardian - UK · Apr 12

How reforms under Patrice Talon have reshaped the electoral competition in Benin

Benin voters will head to the polls on April 12, 2026 to elect their next president. This election comes at a time when Benin’s political landscape has been profoundly transformed by reforms to the party system and the electoral code. They have created new power balances and deliberately tightened the…

The Conversation · Apr 10

Niger accuses France, Benin and Cote d'Ivoire of sponsoring airport attack

Niger’s military ruler, Abdourahamane Tiani, has accused the presidents of France, Benin and Cote d’Ivoire of sponsoring an attack on Niamey international airport, which has since been claimed by Islamic State armed group.

Radio France Internationale · Jan 30

Benin heads to polls after failed coup shakes political landscape

Benin votes on Sunday in legislative and local elections that come just over a month after an attempted coup shook the commercial capital Cotonou. The vote follows weeks of campaigning and comes ahead of a presidential election in April.

Radio France Internationale · Jan 10

France backs Benin after foiled coup as Ecowas warns of rising instability

France has confirmed it provided surveillance, observation and logistical backing to Benin’s armed forces during the weekend’s attempted coup, stepping in at the request of the authorities in Cotonou as loyalist troops moved to regain control.

Radio France Internationale · Dec 9, 2025

Nigerian troops held in Burkina Faso after ‘unfriendly’ emergency landing

Unauthorised touchdown comes less than 24 hours after Nigerian forces intervened in attempted coup in Benin

The Guardian - UK · Dec 9, 2025

Benin’s failed coup: three factors behind the takeover attempt

Military elements attempted to topple Benin’s government in early December 2025. However, unlike other coups across the Sahel and west Africa since 2020, this bid triggered a military response from Benin’s neighbours.

The Conversation · Dec 9, 2025