In Benin, the political atmosphere is already heating up ahead of the 2026 presidential election.
The Cowry Forces for an Emerging Benin, widely known by its French acronym, FCBE, has officially presented its presidential ticket.
As the country’s leading opposition party, this move signals the beginning of what promises to be a fiercely contested race.
At the helm of the ticket is Paul Hounkpé, the party’s executive secretary, a seasoned politician and former minister under ex-President Boni Yayi, whose legacy still weighs heavily on Benin’s politics today.
The announcement has raised questions about the opposition’s strategy, its chances against the ruling party, and what this could mean for the future of democracy in the country.
To help us break this down and understand the broader geopolitical implications, we’re joined by David Morgan Assogba Metondji, a consultant in geopolitics.