2026 municipal elections in Benin: death of Léopold Zinsou, UP-R’s lead candidate

Léopold Zinsou, candidat titulaire de l’Union Progressiste le Renouveau (UPR) dans l’arrondissement de Godomey pour les élections communales du 11 janvier 2026, est décédé ce jeudi 6 novembre 2025 des suites d’une crise, selon des sources proches de sa famille.

Sad news for the Union Progressiste le Renouveau (UPR). Léopold Zinsou, the UPR’s main candidate for the municipal elections of January 11, 2026, has died.

The former municipal councillor of Abomey-Calavi died this Thursday. A well-known figure for his commitment and influence within the UPR, Léopold Zinsou was in perfect health, according to those close to him.

On Sunday, November 2, 2025, he reportedly took part in a friendly gathering with friends, showing no sign of discomfort. It is therefore with complete incomprehension that relatives, party activists and political observers have received the news of his death.