Benin: Already dismissed, Paulin Akponna disowned by his party, the Republican bloc
The axe has fallen. By Presidential Decree No. 2025-327 of June 26, 2025, Paulin Akponna was officially removed from his position as Minister of Energy, Water and Mines. In the wake of this, the Republican Bloc (BR), his own political family, has publicly disassociated itself from his statements made in Parakou, judging them contrary to the party’s spirit of solidarity. Within days, the minister has gone from being a whistleblower to a political lightning rod.
SUMMARY
On June 21 in Titirou (a district of Parakou), Paulin Akponna publicly denounced the alleged embezzlement of tens of billions of FCFA intended for electrification and the provision of drinking water. He spoke of “siphoners of the national budget” and “offenders of the Republic,” accused of having concealed these embezzlements from President Talon. This allegation, seen as too direct and without public evidence to support it, implicitly targeted former Minister Adambi, an influential member of the BR.
Now under heavy criticism, he will be dismissed from his role as Energy minister. Therefore, by Presidential Decree No. 2025-327 dated June 26, 2025, Paulin Akponna is dismissed from his position as Minister of Energy, Water and Mines. He is replaced by José Tonato, who will now cumulate this portfolio with his current duties as Minister of Living Environment and Transportation, in charge of Sustainable Development.
In the wake of this, his party would also sever ties with its leader. In a statement made public on June 26, the Republican Bloc (BR) clearly distances itself from the former minister. The party expresses its “total disapproval” of these remarks, labeling them contrary to unity and militant spirit.
“These words reflect neither a Republican spirit, solidarity, nor unity […]. The BR formally disassociates itself from the statements of Minister Paulin Akponna and holds him solely responsible, both in form and substance.”
The party also notes that Paul Akponna was never mandated to speak on behalf of the Republican Bloc, despite his numerous references to the party in his speech in Parakou. It finally calls on its members to show restraint, dignity, and collective commitment in public action.
A triple impact case
This double sanction – governmental and political – aims to defuse a media and political frenzy around the embezzlement accusations. But the case might not stop there. The opposition, through the group The Democrats, has already introduced a resolution for the establishment of a parliamentary investigation committee. This would aim to audit the management of funds within the ministry since 2016, particularly in the context of projects executed in Parakou.
For President Patrice Talon, this episode represents a test of credibility. At the head of a regime that has always portrayed itself as intolerant of corruption, he faces a paradox: a minister publicly denounces embezzlements… and he is the one who is fired. If no investigation is launched against the alleged perpetrators, the power risks being accused of stifling a case to preserve its internal political balances.
In just a few days, Paulin Akponna has been politically isolated, removed from government, and abandoned by his own party. A stinging setback for one who, it was thought, embodied a hard line against budgetary slippages. It remains to be seen whether this ousting will serve to protect the power foundations or whether it will leave lasting cracks in the presidential majority, already faced with internal rivalries and suspicions of opaque management.
Comments