Bus stopover in Godomey: launch of the “B.U.S CHEZ VOUS” operation and the Renouveau Citoyen Movement’s adhesion

The Hôtel Paradisia in Godomey was the setting, this Friday, 20 February 2026, for a major step in the momentum of the Bénin Uni et Solidaire (BUS) platform, with the official launch of the “B.U.S CHEZ VOUS” operation. This initiative, which aims to strengthen mobilization and closeness to citizens, was marked by the official adhesion of the Renouveau Citoyen Movement, in support of candidate Romuald Wadagni for the presidential election on 12 April.

In a packed hall, militants, officials and supporters witnessed a political moment rich in commitments and symbolism. “It is with a deep sense of responsibility and great hope that I take the floor (…) to officially announce our adhesion to the Bénin Uni et Solidaire (BUS) platform,” declared the movement’s president, Kissezounnon Florent, in an address marked by gravity and conviction.

A strategic, well-considered decision

The president of Renouveau Citoyen recalled the difficulties his movement had faced under the reforms to the party system. “Sadly, the various changes made in recent years have shut us out of every election, depriving millions of voters of representation across the entire territory,” he denounced. According to him, this situation has contributed to a growing disaffection among Beninese people toward electoral matters.

Facing this reality, Kissezounnon Florent presented the adhesion to BUS as a carefully considered decision, guided by the need to “reconcile our fellow citizens with elections” and to ensure that the upcoming vote “rests on a strong popular wave, the only genuine guarantee of legitimacy for the government to come.” “Division weakens, unity strengthens. Dispersion slows things down, solidarity speeds up progress,” he insisted.

The movement is thus committing itself as “engaged partners,” bringing “energy, experience, ideas and mobilizing capacity” to the BUS momentum. “This is not about abandoning our identity, but about placing it within a broader vision in service of the common good,” he explained, before adding: “We now walk together. We will work with respect, consultation and loyalty.”

A total commitment on the ground

The spokesperson for Renouveau Citoyen confirmed this determination: “We will not be mere bystanders, we will be committed militants. (…) We will be at work morning, afternoon, evening and even at night. Give us the directives, and you will see how we carry them out.”

He also announced the symbolic stepping back of the movement in favor of BUS: “As of today, our movement steps aside to make way for total commitment within BUS. From now on, we will speak of BUS everywhere. We want to be seen as sons who have already been adopted.“

BUS widens its horizon

For Christian Yénoussi, BUS national coordinator, this adhesion is a historic moment. “Those gathered here are not ordinary passengers. They are LD militants — committed and determined. Their choice shows that the goals of BUS transcend divisions and partisan considerations,” he stressed.

He praised the relevance of creating the platform and recalled its inclusive mission: “BUS is not a political party and will not compete with any party. The doors remain wide open for everyone. We are truly committed and prepared to cast a wide net for candidate Romuald Wadagni.”

The “B.U.S CHEZ VOUS” operation, which stopped over in Godomey on this 20 February, illustrates the platform’s determination to put down roots across the territory and bring forces together around shared projects. With the arrival of Renouveau Citoyen, which has operational grassroots structures and experienced militants across the entire national territory, BUS strengthens its momentum and affirms its ambition to prepare the ground for a presidential election marked by unity, solidarity and citizen mobilization. With less than two months to go before the vote, BUS is on the move, and the journey has only just begun.