As the end of his second term approaches, the question of a possible presidential pardon continues to divide opinion in Benin. Questioned on this subject in an exclusive interview with Jeune Afrique, President Patrice Talon was categorical: he will not grant pardons to political figures currently detained before he leaves power in 2026.
Patrice Talon denies the existence of political prisoners in Benin, preferring to speak of “political actors convicted and detained”. He believes that belonging to the world of politics should not confer immunity from justice.
“Nowhere in the world does being a politician provide immunity from prosecution for criminal acts”, he insisted.
Asked whether he would exercise his right to pardon before the end of his term of office, he replied bluntly:
no,” he said. If I did, it would be tantamount to confirming that sins committed under the guise of politics are more forgivable than others, and that would be unfair,” he insisted.
As for the possibility of his successor taking a different approach, he suggests that it will no longer be up to him. “If the next president feels that politics is part of the criteria for granting pardons, that’s up to him. But I’m not sure it’s a good idea”, he suggests.
With this clear-cut stance, Patrice Talon is sending out a clear message: he will not give in to political pressure and will not go back on the judicial policy of his mandate. Time will tell whether his successor will maintain this line or adopt a more conciliatory stance.