On the occasion of the “Democracy and Culture of Peace: Reflections on Benin's experience” day organized by Tournons La Page Benin on November 8th, the members of TLP-Benin sent a strong message to Beninese President Patrice Talon and political parties about the respect of the Constitution and term limits.

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Dear Mr. Talon,

On the occasion of the International Day of Democracy, consecrated every September 15 by the United Nations and celebrated today November 08, 2024 by the coalition TOURNONS LA PAGE of BENIN, our movement organizes the present day of reflection placed under the topic: “Democracy and Culture of Peace: Reflections on the experience of Benin”. This day marks an essential step in the promotion and strengthening of our country's commitment to the entrenchment of democratic values and the necessary culture of alternation in power.

Three years ago, in July 2021, at the Palais des Congrès in Cotonou, during the second West African citizens' summit for democracy, good governance and alternation, Tournons La Page Benin, along with other African organizations, symbolically presented you with a two-term count sceptre to mark its personal commitment to promoting the culture of term limits on the continent within our countries' political class.

Mr. President of the Republic, the Réseau des Jeunes pour la Promotion de la Démocratie (RJPD) of the Tournons La Page Bénin movement would like to thank you today, firstly for agreeing to come to the Palais des Congrès in Cotonou in July 2021 to answer the call of thousands of young Beninese and Africans gathered for this unforgettable summit. Our network also remembered the commitment you made to Beninese, ECOWAS and African citizens, in the presence of civil society organizations, to respect the Beninese Constitution, which limits the number of presidential terms to two. You said, and we quote: “Limiting mandates is, in every respect, to the benefit of the people... You are absolutely right to advocate alternation. I am fully committed to it, and I pledge to you that I will defend it. This solemn commitment has strengthened the confidence of the Beninese people and young people, who see in you an example of keeping one's word and defending democratic principles and achievements.

As part of the celebration of the 2024 edition of the International Day of Democracy, we, the young Beninese members of the RJPD, are proud to know that you have not hesitated to make these commitments, and would like to tell you that we do not doubt for a single moment that the upright and firm man that you are, will keep his promises. We firmly believe that Benin will continue to be an example in Africa in terms of democracy and peaceful alternation of power, thanks to your assertive stance and leadership.

As committed young people, we have faith in your integrity and your ability to remain true to your word of honor, so that history will remember your name among those African leaders who have respected the will of their people. Excellency Mr. President, we are counting on you to ensure that under your presidency, in our common homeland of Benin, the plural exercise of democracy continues to be promoted, guaranteeing a land of peace now and for generations to come.

Long live democracy! Long live political alternation! Long live Benin!

Signed

The Youth Network for the Promotion of Democracy (RJPD) of Tournons la Page Bénin.