APA-Cotonou (Benin) – The former Beninese head of state is now the leader of ‘Les Democrates’ party, the most representative of the country’s opposition.
Boni Yayi is making a full comeback to the political life he never actually left. At the end of the first ordinary congress of the ‘Les Democrates’ party, held on Saturday and Sunday in Parakou (Nord), the former president became the new leader of the opposition political group.
He has thus stepped down as honorary president and taken over the reins of the party, which he founded in 2019 with other Beninese opposition leaders. He succeeds MP Eric Houndete, who becomes first vice-president.
In his current position, former president Boni Yayi is the de facto leader of the opposition.
However, it is President Patrice Talon who must sign the decree formalising his predecessor’s new status.
According to the Charter of Political Parties, the leader of the opposition is the president of the party with the largest number of deputies in the National Assembly.
Boni Yayi led Benin from 2006 to 2016 before handing over to Patrice Talon.
Since his departure, relations with his successor have been marked by tensions.
RK/te/fss/as/APA