Benin’s Republican Bloc (BR) has officially reinstated former minister Samou Séïdou Adambi and two other party officials, ending an eight-month period of political sanction and internal dispute.
The National Executive Bureau (BEN) of the BR held its second extraordinary session of the year on Sunday, 31 August 2025, in Cotonou.
The sole agenda item was the lifting of disciplinary measures imposed earlier this year and the reintegration of those affected into the party’s governing structures.
In a statement released after the session, the BEN confirmed the full rehabilitation of Samou Séïdou Adambi, whose political standing had been in question since January.
Alongside him, Joël Bossikponon and Bertin Lokossou were also reinstated, pending formal approval by the Political Bureau.
Adambi, who previously served as vice-president of the BR, was sanctioned on 5 January 2025 for actions deemed to have violated party rules, including an unauthorized declaration of candidacy. A subsequent investigation, chaired by Joseph Amavi Anani, led to his removal from the party’s leadership and preceded his departure from government during a technical reshuffle.
BR spokesperson Romaric Ogouwalé had stated at the time that the sanctions were internal measures and unrelated to his ministerial post. However, his dismissal from government heightened speculation about a decline in his political influence.
Eight months later, the party has reversed course. The BEN cited the “positive actions” undertaken by Adambi and the others since January and stressed the importance of “maintaining serenity and discipline” as Benin approaches its 2026 elections.
This decision is seen as a strategic move to consolidate party unity and reinforce its leadership ahead of the electoral season. The reinstated officials will now resume their participation in all party activities, marking a significant political comeback for Adambi.
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