A government spokesperson has revealed that the leader of Benin’s largest opposition party and first female presidential candidate has been arrested and accused of “planning to assassinate several political figures”.
Local reports have it that Reckya Madougou’s candidacy for the presidential election on April 11 was rejected by the electoral commission for failing to garner signatures of support from 16 mayors or MPs.
Reports have it that many opposition figures are already in exile or barred from office in Benin, a West African state which critics say has veered into authoritarianism under President Patrice Talon.
“Compatriots who were preparing to commit crimes have designated Reckya Madougou as their sponsor,” Alain Orounla, spokesperson for the government of Benin, said.
46-year-old Madougou, who is the head of the Les Démocrates party was “planning to assassinate several political figures,” he added, stressing that it was a “very serious offense of terrorism”.
Lawyer Renaud Agbodjo said Madougou was “indicted for financing terrorism”, adding that an investigation was open, but that no trial was “in sight for now”.
Reports have it that a total of 20 would-be candidates officially handed in their documents to run for the presidency, but the electoral commission said only the three chosen had met the requirements.
It’s important to note that Talon, a cotton magnate, who was elected into office in 2016 said at the time he wanted to serve a single term only, before changing his mind and announcing his candidacy in mid-January for the April vote.
He will battle former minister Alassane Soumano and Corentin Kohoue, a dissident opposition figure.
