Benin: the government justifies the dismissal of Minister Paulin Akponna

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“The statements made by Mr. Akponna in Parakou are of proven seriousness,” explained Wilfried Léandre Houngbédji. Indeed, on June 21, 2025, during a meeting in Titirou, in the municipality of Parakou, Paulin Akponna had publicly accused certain players in the system of embezzling tens of billions of FCFA intended for electrification and drinking water supply.

In his speech, he had denounced the “siphoners of the national budget” and the “delinquents of the Republic.” The now-former minister even went a step further by asserting that these facts had been hidden from President Patrice Talon.

These accusations, considered serious and without proof submitted to the head of state or the government, led to his dismissal by presidential decree no. 2025-327 dated June 26, 2025. The portfolio he held has been assigned to José Tonato, already Minister of Living Environment and Transport, in charge of Sustainable Development.

For Wilfried Léandre Houngbédji, the presidential decision is in line with the governance advocated since 2016. “The President of the Republic has deemed that in view of the seriousness of the statements he made, it was appropriate to release him from any obligation of discretion and governmental solidarity so that he would be free to refer to the justice system and provide evidence of the facts he denounces,” he confided.

The spokesman recalled that since his appointment, Paulin Akponna has never sent a report to either the head of state or the government concerning the alleged malfeasance. “If he had observed such facts within his ministry, he should have first reported them to the government or the President of the Republic,” insisted Wilfried Léandre Houngbédji.

Is public speech forbidden by Talon?

Responding to criticisms of a possible restriction of freedom of expression within the government, Wilfried Léandre Houngbédji denied it. “One can speak freely but with full responsibility. That’s what is expected of us,” he reassured. He reminded that in other recent cases like those of former ministers Homeky or Adambi, it was also public statements considered politically inopportune that led to similar decisions.

For Wilfried Léandre Houngbédji, this case recalls the guiding principle of President Talon. “Since 2016, our doctrine is that of zero tolerance towards corruption, acts of malfeasance, and poor governance,” he hammered home.

The executive branch, while ensuring that freedom of expression remains, recalls that public speech, especially from officials, “must be carried with parsimony and responsibility.”

A political recovery?

Asked about a possible political recovery of the former minister Samou Adambi, indirectly targeted by the statements of Paulin Akponna, the spokesman responded that “Mr. Adambi remains a member of his party, he has not been excluded but suspended. He is making amends and the political decisions concerning him are subject to competent bodies.”

About the management of the Ministry of Energy now entrusted to José Tonato, he assured that “if it had been an overload, the head of state would not have made this choice”. According to him, this decision is motivated by the trust and proven effectiveness of Mr. Tonato within the government.

Wilfried Léandre Houngbédji also pointed out that the justice could take up the statements made by the former minister. “We are in a regime of separation of powers. Competent jurisdictions can look into the case and invite Mr. Akponna to provide the elements he has,” he stressed.

The Republican Bloc distances itself from Paulin Akponna

In the aftermath of this dismissal, the Republican Bloc (BR), the former minister’s political party, published a scathing statement in which it distances itself from Paulin Akponna. The party denounces statements “contrary to unity and militant spirit” and asserts that Paulin Akponna had received no mandate to speak on behalf of the BR. “The BR formally dissociates itself from the statements of Minister Paulin Akponna and holds him solely responsible, both in form and substance,” the statement decided.

The BR also calls on its militants to exercise restraint and discipline in their actions and public interventions. This official disapproval accentuates the political isolation of Paulin Akponna, who is now called upon to justify his statements before the justice system if he wishes.