PATRICE TALON

Patrice Talon, born on May 1, 1958, in Ouidah, Benin, hails from the Fon ethnic group. His family has historical ties to the region’s complex past, as his lineage traces back to slave traders. Talon's education began in Dakar, Senegal, where he earned a baccalaureate and pursued a bachelor’s degree in science. Initially aiming to become a pilot, his dreams were cut short after failing a medical examination at the École nationale de l'aviation civile in Paris, leading him to explore new paths.

In 1983, Talon entered the business world, focusing on trading packaging and agricultural inputs. By 1985, he had returned to Benin and founded the Intercontinental Distribution Company, which supplied essential inputs to cotton producers. His success grew in the 1990s when he established several cotton ginning factories, earning him the title "King of Cotton." His business empire expanded significantly, benefiting from close ties with Benin’s political class.

Talon played a significant role in the political scene, becoming a key financial backer for President Thomas Boni Yayi in the 2006 and 2011 elections. However, their relationship soured in 2012 when Talon was accused of embezzlement and later of plotting to assassinate Yayi. Fleeing to France, Talon was pardoned in 2014 and soon returned to Benin’s political spotlight.

In 2016, Talon ran as an independent candidate in Benin's presidential election, positioning himself as a reformist. He finished second in the first round but triumphed in the second round, defeating Prime Minister Lionel Zinsou with 65% of the vote. Once in office, Talon outlined bold plans, including constitutional reforms to limit presidential terms to a single five-year term, though this proposal was later rejected by the National Assembly.

During his presidency, Talon focused on reducing government size, streamlining ministries, and improving Benin’s relationship with France. However, his administration faced criticism for curbing democratic freedoms. Opposition leaders were imprisoned on charges ranging from drug trafficking to undermining state security, and changes in electoral law made it more difficult for rivals to contest his presidency. Despite this, Talon was reelected in 2021 with an overwhelming 86% of the vote.

Talon’s presidency has seen him take strong stances on regional issues, including his condemnation of the 2023 coup in Niger. In 2024, authorities uncovered a plot to overthrow him, implicating key figures in his inner circle. This incident led to arrests and further solidified his hold on power.

Patrice Talon is married to Claudine Gbènagnon, with whom he has two children.

Reference: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Patrice_Talon