Benin's Union Progressiste Le Renouveau Party Holds National Council Meeting

The Union Progressiste Le Renouveau party in Benin held its national council meeting on November 14 in Cotonou, following a session of the Political Bureau. The meeting allowed party leaders to review their activities and make several decisions regarding the party's functioning and organization. The party's first ordinary congress will take place in the first quarter of 2027 in Cotonou, which will mark the end of the transitional period and enable the party to have fully constituted bodies from its militant base.

Prior to the congress, several documents were examined and approved, including draft moral reports, activity reports, and financial reports, as well as draft resolutions to be submitted to congress members. The party also reviewed and approved draft statutes and revised internal regulations. The modalities for designating delegates and the provisions for organizing the congress were also discussed. These decisions aim to strengthen the party's structures and prepare for the upcoming congress.

The national council's decisions also focus on the party's organization and resources. The National Executive Directorate was mandated to propose the amounts of militants' subscriptions and elected officials' contributions to strengthen the party's financial autonomy. Organizationally, members planned to elect presidents of permanent technical commissions, designate their secretaries and rapporteurs, and validate the list of members of the Political Bureau.

The National Executive Directorate will also continue to set up mass organizations under the supervision of the High Political Direction. This approach aims to strengthen the participation of women, young people, teachers, students, elected officials, and sages in the party's life. Souley Yacoubou, a member of the Political Bureau, highlighted the importance of the preparatory work for the congress, emphasizing that the party must work on several documents that will be submitted for adoption and validation.

The opening session of the national council was attended by delegations from the Bloc Républicain, Force Cauris pour un Bénin Émergent, and Les Démocrates parties. Party president Joseph Fifamin Djogbénou recalled the creation of the Union Progressiste in December 2018 and praised the role of former President Patrice Talon in the reform of the party system. He emphasized the need to prioritize national interest over individual interests, particularly in relations with the Bloc Républicain.

The decisions made during this session received favorable reactions from participants. Deputy Bertin Tamegnon called on militants to maintain their commitment despite the party's electoral achievements. Méré Baké, president of the section 3 of Tchaourou of the Union Progressiste Le Renouveau, noted progress in women's participation in decision-making within the party. The party reaffirmed its affiliation with the presidential movement and its commitment to social democracy.

The preparation of the 2027 congress and the consolidation of its structures are now the main priorities for the Union Progressiste Le Renouveau party. The party aims to strengthen its structures and contribute to the success of government actions. With these measures, the party seeks to ensure its continued growth and participation in Benin's politics.

Key points

• The Union Progressiste Le Renouveau party will hold its first ordinary congress in the first quarter of 2027 in Cotonou.