Former Speaker of Benin’s National Assembly, Me Adrien Houngbédji, has once again spoken out in favor of political appeasement in the country. Speaking on April 15, 2025, at the Youth Summit, the leader of the Democratic Renewal Party (PRD)—despite being an ally of the current government—issued a solemn call for national reconciliation and a more open democratic process.
This message follows a stance he had already expressed in February, when he criticized practices of “political exclusion” and called for a reestablishment of democratic principles in Benin. Once again, Me Houngbédji urged political actors to avoid any form of marginalization as the 2026 general elections approach. “The opposition must take part in the elections. There is no democracy without opposition,” he insisted.
While emphasizing the need for “rules that apply to everyone,” the former parliamentary leader referred to the 2019 legislative elections—calling them a “wahala” (trouble)—to highlight the consequences of a non-inclusive vote. He also recalled the founding ideals of the PRD in 1990: democracy, freedom, rule of law, and unity.
In a political climate still marked by tensions—particularly around the return of exiles and the issue of political detainees—Me Houngbédji also advocated for the release of political prisoners, stating that “the country’s future cannot be built on division.”
Though voiced by a political figure close to the regime, his remarks are being seen as a warning to those in power about the dangers of a non-consensual electoral process. He called for “remaining united to build the country together,” stressing the importance of inclusive political dialogue to preserve social peace.