As Benin celebrated its 65th Independence Day, President Patrice Talon delivered a deeply emotional and unifying message—his last as the country’s leader—highlighting national pride and collective effort.
“It was one of my promises at the dawn of my presidency: to make us proud to be Beninese,” Talon said in a heartfelt address following the military parade held Friday, August 1, in Cotonou.
“We already have all the potential within us to rise above underdevelopment, provided we are willing to make some shared sacrifices and efforts. The journey we’ve taken in recent years, and the results we see today, prove that it was indeed possible,” he added.
Clearly moved, the president acknowledged this celebration as his “last as President of the Republic.”
He expressed gratitude for the warm reception and outpouring of support during the event.
“I saw in every face today the pride of belonging to our great and beautiful nation,” he said.
His message of unity comes amid rising regional tensions. Although formally invited, military representatives from Burkina Faso and Niger—both members of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES)—were notably absent from the event. Their absence contrasted sharply with the visible participation of a contingent from Côte d’Ivoire’s armed forces, who led the parade at Cotonou’s Place de l’Amazone.
President Talon praised this cooperation and also commended the “remarkable performance” of Benin’s own defense forces.
Government spokesperson Wilfried Léandre Houngbédji had extended a hand to Ouagadougou and Niamey on July 20, stating on Canal 3 Benin: “We made a formal effort to invite them, to show that our people are one and the same across these borders.”
The outreach, however, received no response—amid lingering tensions following a jihadist attack in May in the Alibori region that claimed the lives of 54 Beninese soldiers.
Speaking during the ceremony, Colonel James Johnson, spokesperson for the Beninese army, emphasised “the urgent need for stronger engagement” against cross-border threats. He highlighted the government’s investments in defense: modernised equipment, increased military budgets, and major projects including the development of a national defense and security hub.
This year’s celebration, themed “Defense and Security Forces Leading the Way in Citizens’ Drive for a Safe and Prosperous Benin,” featured foot, aerial, and motorised segments, showcasing the sweeping reforms initiated since Talon took office in 2016.
President Talon concluded his message with a vow to ensure democratic continuity: “I remain fully committed to serving the Republic with all my strength until the torch is passed in a few months, convinced that the next chapter of this story we’re writing together will be even more remarkable.”
AC/sf/lb/as/APA