Benin: PRD Reveals the True Meaning of Its Political Struggle

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While rumors of a split with the Union Progressiste le Renouveau (UPR) circulate, the political leader shed some light on the deep malaise shaking the internal workings of the former rainbow party.

“The PRD is not like other political parties where people get sidelined.” This statement, more than just a jab, sums up the identity and strategic crisis the PRD is navigating within the UP le Renouveau coalition.

According to Ahouanmenou, PRD members are genuinely frustrated with the internal management of the UPR. They feel marginalized, ignored, and pushed to the background. The central complaint: the PRD is not consulted on major political decisions, even when they directly concern its historic strongholds.

“Look, we’re heading into important elections, but PRD leaders were not consulted to find out who wants to be a candidate,” he lamented.

For a party that has always operated with a participatory and dynamic electoral foundation, this modus operandi is unacceptable. The Deputy Secretary reminds us that during the 2020 local elections, the candidate list was compiled without listening to the grassroots, leading to “mixed” results.

A Political Stronghold to Reconquer… and Manage

Underlying, the real fight for the PRD is not about breaking for the sake of breaking. The party primarily wants to regain its local influence, particularly in its southern strongholds, with some strategic autonomy.

According to Gatien Ahouanmènou, the PRD wants to be allowed to manage its political stronghold for upcoming elections, within a governance agreement. Hence, a different form of collaboration is what the party of Me Adrien Houngbédji demands.

The PRD doesn’t just want positions or quotas; it demands the freedom to organize its ground strategy, choose its candidates, and galvanize its base.

Breakup, Renegotiation, or Recomposition?

Should we conclude that the divorce from the UPR is finalized? Not yet. Ahouanmenou’s tone remains open yet firm. If the PRD is understood, its relationship with UP le Renouveau can still continue, he nuances. According to him, “Everything is still possible…”. Continue with UP le Renouveau, or align with Les Démocrates or others.

A phrase that sounds like a diplomatic warning, or even an invitation to the negotiation table. The PRD now positions itself as a lucid and demanding player that no longer wants to serve as a silent endorsement for vertical political strategies.

In essence, the PRD wants to exist politically, not merely survive electorally. Behind the current tensions, the true essence of the PRD’s fight is now clear: To no longer be a buffer party, reclaim its territorial sovereignty to reconnect with its base and genuinely influence forthcoming political balances.

Therefore, this is not merely a legal tussle or a fleeting ego clash. It’s an identity reaffirmation, a strategic revival attempt with or without the Union Progressiste le Renouveau.

If the PRD succeeds in its revolt, it could secure its own elected officials in the upcoming elections, possibly allowing it to sponsor a candidate or a duo in the 2031 presidential elections. Otherwise, with the sponsorship system, the political game is locked for several decades, and the PRD risks dissolving entirely and disappearing within UP le Renouveau.

Indeed, as things currently stand, after the 2026 general elections, if the current trend persists, the selection of candidates for the presidential election will be the exclusive prerogative of the current alliance. Therefore, it benefits democracy for the PRD to emerge from political tutelage and have its own elected officials to later influence the political balance.