Benin: legal action against Yayi for failing to observe the duty of reserve

An appeal filed on November 19, 2025, implicates the former head of state and leader of the opposition party Les Démocrates, Boni Yayi, for remarks made in a video after his meeting with President Patrice Talon.

The authors of the petition ask the Constitutional Court to find a violation of articles 23, 34, 36 and 54 of the Constitution.

According to the appeal, the public accusations by Boni Yayi referring to a plan to “poach” officials and MPs to weaken the opposition lack tangible evidence.

The applicants consider these statements an affront to the dignity of the head of state, likely to sow political discord and to undermine citizens’ trust in institutions.

The text of the appeal cites an abusive use of freedom of expression. It accuses the former president of failing to respect the duty of restraint and loyalty expected of a former head of state.

According to the complainants, such remarks are contrary to the principle of national cohesion and threaten republican unity. The court’s decision is awaited.