BUS stopover in Ouidah: a large-scale citizen mobilization in support of the Wadagni–Talata duo
Gathered this Saturday, March 14, at the Centre Festy Land in Vasseho, Ouidah, local leaders, representatives of associations, and youth representatives launched a call for unity and citizen mobilization ahead of the presidential election on April 12, 2026. Led by the Bénin Uni et Solidaire (BUS) platform, the meeting was also marked by statements in favor of the duo Romuald Wadagni – Mariam Chabi Talata, presented as bearers of the country’s future.
As the April 12, 2026 presidential election approaches, several political leaders, representatives of associations, and civil society representatives gathered this Saturday in Ouidah around the Bénin Uni et Solidaire (BUS) platform. Held at the Centre Festy Land site in Vasseho, the meeting’s main objective was to encourage citizen mobilization and promote unity ahead of the vote.
Head of the communal coordination of the Bénin Uni et Solidaire platform in Ouidah, Codo Pamphile recalled the spirit of the initiative: “I want to reassure you: we did not invite you to join any political formation. This meeting is not intended to facilitate the creation of a new political party either.” According to him, the objective is rather to “share a few civic actions aimed at supporting the presidential election of April 12.”
The local official in particular warned against the decline in electoral participation: “Empirical data from elections held in our country in recent years show a constant: Beninese men and women are increasingly reluctant to go to polling stations.” This situation, according to him, requires a collective response. Quoting former American President John Kennedy, he reminded: “Ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country.”
The secretary-general of the Union Générale pour le Développement de la commune de Ouidah (UGDO), Dr Victor Gbedo, also stressed the importance of citizen mobilization. “We cannot contribute to democratic life without expressing our vote, without performing this civic act of choosing the leaders of our country.” He thus called for making the city an example of participation: “On April 12, 2026, Ouidah must stand out with a massive participation of its daughters and sons at the polls.”
In the name of the youth, Gaston Atindéhou expressed clear support for the Wadagni – Talata duo. “Today, we gather to express our unwavering support for the Romuald Wadagni – Mariam Chabi Talata duo,” he said, noting that this tandem “embodies the future and the development of our country.” The BUS’s national coordinator, Christian Yenoussi, praised the unity shown by the participants. “Ouidah is a historic city, a place where many traditions, ethnicities and religions coexist.”
For him, the gathering constitutes “a true demonstration of unity,” proof that the city “remains deeply united.” Through this meeting, the organizers hope to spur increased mobilization of Ouidah’s citizens and, beyond that, contribute to strengthening electoral participation in the upcoming presidential election.
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