A few hours before the festivities of August 1, 2023, Boni Yayi expressed his discontent with the sociopolitical situation. The former President of the Republic questions the significance of this celebration while “worthy sons of Benin… have been forced into exile for several years.”
Since his return in 2022, former President Thomas Boni Yayi may be absent from the official stands tomorrow during the celebration of Benin’s 63rd Independence anniversary. His message, addressed to the people of Benin on Monday, July 31, 2023, speaks volumes about this probable absence. “What will we do at the Amazone Square while worthy sons of Benin, like the Amazone itself, have been forced into exile for several years? Governance of Peace invites us to restore their freedom, for a life without freedom has no meaning,” he wrote in his message.
“What joy can fill our hearts when Minister Reckya Madougou and Professor Joël Aivo are deprived of their freedom and heavily condemned for the crime of lèse-majesté for aspiring to the highest office in a supposedly democratic country? I cannot forget the hundreds of young students who continue to languish in prison for their opinions.”
For the honorary president of the opposition party “Les Démocrates,” the sociopolitical situation in Benin is not conducive to celebrating the country’s independence. In addition to the tense political situation, he highlighted “the prevailing misery, a consequence of the breakdown of social fabric, the appropriation of production, and even factors of production. In this regard, the situation of soybean, cotton, and cashew producers is illustrative,” he said.
Thus, Boni Yayi believes that “in view of so many infamies and reproaches, the Independence Day celebration, especially that of August 1, 2023, is no longer a cause for celebration. Far from the usual festivities, beloved compatriots, let us make this August 1 a day of meditation, introspection about our coexistence, and intense prayers.”
Faced with this diagnosis, Boni Yayi calls for dialogue and prayer. He invites the people of Benin to entrust their burdens to the Almighty, who will heal our country and each one of us from heaven. “Let us face our responsibilities and persevere in our prayers to implore our Father, the Father in Heaven, whose goodness is inexhaustible and mercy unlimited,” recommended the former president.
