Benin: Former President Mathieu Kerekou dies at 82

Five years later, Kerekou emerged from retirement to win the presidency, backed by most of Soglo’s opponents. He was re-elected in 2001 for his final term.

Kerekou acted as mediator in a number of conflicts, notably in Ivory Coast, and as head of a body forging closer links between francophone Benin, Togo, Niger, Ivory Coast and Burkina Faso.

Incumbent president Boni Yayi, who succeeded him in 2006, after beating Adrien Houngbedji, steps down next year after reaching his maximum two-term limit as president.

Source: Associated Press

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