In Benin, the opposition party Les Démocrates held its National Council meeting on March 22nd and 23rd, 2026, at the Chant d'Oiseaux hotel in Cotonou. The closed-door proceedings concluded this Monday morning around 6:00 AM, according to Bip Radio. Nourérou Atchadé, then the party's second vice-president, was elected president, replacing Boni Yayi, who resigned. He will lead the party until the next Congress.

Resignation of Guy Mitokpè

First Vice-President Eric Houndété did not attend the proceedings, which could fuel rumors of potential tension within the party. Mr. Houndété had been chosen as interim president following Boni Yayi's resignation in early March.

Another session of the National Council is scheduled for March 28th. It should allow for the filling of the remaining vacancies following resignations within the party.

It's worth remembering that several members of parliament left the political party a few months ago to join the presidential coalition. The latest resignation was yesterday, Sunday, March 22nd. It was that of Guy Mitokpè, formerly the National Secretary for Communication of the Democrats.

Wadagni will not have the support of the Democrats

It is unknown whether he will join the presidential movement whose standard-bearer, Romuald Wadagni, presented his societal project last Saturday.

The Democrats, following their National Council meeting, decided not to support his candidacy in the presidential election next April. They cited the "political situation and the organizational conditions" of the election.