The proposed amnesty law initiated by the parliamentary opposition is a good initiative, according to former deputy El Hadj Yacoubou Malèhossou, who encourages measures to release political prisoners.
The release of prisoners and the return of exiles have become a major concern for both political actors and civil society leaders. Following the topic raised by former President of the Constitutional Court, Robert Dossou, over the weekend, former deputy Yacoubou Malèhossou has reiterated the call, urging the head of state to address the issue.
“Our desire is for more peace in the country. The proposed amnesty law by the parliamentary opposition for exiles and political prisoners is a good initiative,” said the civil society actor.
According to the former deputy, this proposed law should have the support of everyone, whether they belong to the ruling party or the opposition. According to him, every Beninese should support this effort and appeal to Patrice Talon for the release of Joël Aivo, Reckya Madougou, and other political prisoners.
“If opposition deputies can humbly approach their colleagues from the ruling party so that together, they try to find a common solution to better approach and explore this amnesty proposal, I believe it will be a good thing. I have been in parliament, and I know what it’s about,” stated the confident president of the Malehossou Foundation.
As the ruling party holds the majority in parliament, the proposed law cannot succeed without its support. That’s why Yacoubou Malèhossou urges the parliamentary opposition to be humble and collaborate with their fellow deputies.
“The ruling party has the majority in parliament. Since the opposition cannot do anything alone, it is only through this path that our exiled and detained brothers can hope for something,” advises El Hadj Yacoubou Malèhossou.
According to him, every Beninese has friends among these detainees and exiles, whether directly or indirectly connected. Therefore, he believes that all Beninese should support this momentum of solidarity and advocacy for their release. El Hadj Yacoubou Malèhossou, the president of the foundation bearing his name, served as a deputy in the National Assembly during the sixth and seventh legislatures.