In Benin, the main opposing party, Parti du Renouveau Democratique (PRD) announced on January 30 it was supporting the ruling party’s candidate, Lionel Zinsou, for the presidential election which is to be held next February 28.

PDR made the announcement regarding Mr Zinsou, Benin’s prime Minister since June 2015, during an amazing congress in Porto-Novo.

“My dear supporters, Lionel Zinsou is PRD’s candidate in alliance with Forces Cauris pour un Benin Emergent (FCBE, party of the outgoing president Thomas Boni Yayi) and Renaissance du Benin (RB, another opposing party). Do you agree?” shouted PRD’s president Adrien Houngbedji to a crowd of 30,000 people gathered in a stadium. In response was a thunderous “Yes”.

Responding to the massive support, Lionel Zinsou who was present at the event agreed to being the “candidate of the national consensus” and then committed to “building a fair and peaceful Benin”.