Benin: Julien Kande Kansou released on National Day by presidential pardon
Ahmed Salem
Benin's President Romuald Wadani has issued a presidential pardon for Julien Kande Kansou, one of the most prominent leaders of the Democrats Party, the main opposition party.
The decision was made on the occasion of Benin's Independence Day celebrations on August 1st, and was confirmed by those close to the opposition leader, who indicated that he was now "free to move about." However, Beninese authorities had not issued any official comment on the measure by the end of the day.
He has been in pretrial detention since June 2025
Julian Candé Canso, known for his articles and poems critical of the government, was placed in pretrial detention in June 2025.
In April 2026, the Economic Crimes and Terrorism Suppression Court (CRIET) sentenced him to two years in prison for “harassment via an electronic system” and ”incitement to rebellion,” based on his social media posts.
He holds a key position in the Democratic Party's communications unit and is close to former president Thomas Boni Yayi.
Tense political climate in Benin
This pardon comes amid a tense political climate in Benin, marked by numerous legal cases targeting opposition figures. In recent years, several government critics have been convicted, including Rikia Madougou, Joël Ifou, former minister Oswald Homiki, Olivier Boko, and online activist Steve Amoussou.
Furthermore, a failed coup attempt in late 2025 led to the arrest of about thirty people, including military personnel and political figures.
The election of Romuald Wadani in April 2026 marked a turning point after the two terms of Patrice Talon, whose rule was frequently criticized for restrictions on civil liberties and the narrowing of political space.
The pardon granted to Julian Candé Cansu may represent a first gesture of appeasement towards the opposition, although the authorities have not yet indicated whether they will consider taking other similar measures in the coming days.
