The Cowrie Forces for an Emerging Benin (FCBE) has moved to stabilize its leadership in Kandi following a recent political upheaval that shook the city’s municipal council.
An official memo dated September 18, 2025, confirmed a series of new appointments aimed at filling vacancies left by a no-confidence vote last August.
Internal divisions within the Kandi municipal council had escalated over several months, culminating in an extraordinary session on August 27, 2025. Eight members of the local executive, including First Deputy Mayor Séidou Abdouwahabou, were dismissed after rallying support for the opposition Democrats party.
Among those removed were four district heads—Imorou F. Moustapha (Kandi 3), Tamou Bagri Gounou Charles (Dowari), Salifou Raoufou (Angaradébou), and Kora Gounou Idrissou (Sam)—and three municipal committee presidents.
In response to the leadership gap, FCBE National Executive Secretary Paul Hounkpè announced new appointments. Bouko Yaya replaces Abdouwahabou Salifou as first deputy mayor, while Abdou Moutawagibou Salifou becomes second deputy.
District leadership also saw significant changes: Kora Lafia Kora takes over Sam, Abdoulaye Moumouni assumes Angaradébou, Wassou Babai Alou is appointed to Donwari, and Garba Mouhamadou, elected councilor for the second district, now heads Kandi 3.
Municipal commissions have also been reorganized. Bio Mohamed now leads the Land and Environmental Affairs Commission, Ouroudi Mama Badou takes charge of the Social, Sports, and Cultural Affairs Commission, former mayor Orou Ganni Bachabi Abibou returns to head the Cooperation and Institutional Relations Commission, and Tamou Yarou Wahabou assumes the presidency of the Economic and Financial Affairs Commission.
These measures signal the FCBE’s determination to consolidate its influence over municipal management in Kandi. The city, situated in the first electoral district, is viewed as a strategic political stronghold, with both the ruling party and opposition vying for dominance ahead of upcoming elections. The reshuffle reflects broader trends in Benin’s local politics, where party loyalty and strategic appointments are increasingly central to maintaining control at the municipal level.
The reorganization aims not only to restore stability but also to strengthen the FCBE’s operational cohesion as it navigates the competitive electoral landscape in Kandi.
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