Les Démocrates held a congress in Porto-Novo on 10 and 11 October 2026 to restructure the party leadership. The event, which took place over two days, served as the primary venue for formalizing the party's new organizational direction. Delegates at the event re-elected Nourénou Atchadé as president of the party by consensus. Following the vote, the organization established a newly formed political bureau consisting of 60 members. This bureau is tasked with overseeing the strategic operations of the party moving forward.
Internal Party Leadership Appointments
The newly formed political bureau of Les Démocrates includes four vice-presidents. AZATASSOU Sohoumé Settonhouè Eugène holds the position of first vice-president within this group. The appointment of the four vice-presidents is intended to distribute leadership responsibilities across the party's central hierarchy.
Organizational changes also include specific appointments to manage key party functions. OUASSAGARI Chabi Sika Abdel Kamar now leads the administrative secretariat, a role focused on the day-to-day operational requirements of the party. ISSIAKA Arouna assumed responsibility for the management of the treasury and assets, overseeing the financial health and material holdings of the organization. SOUMANOU Rachidatou received the appointment to oversee resource mobilization and the economy, a position designed to focus on the party's economic strategy and funding efforts. These assignments represent the finalization of the leadership structure established during the congress in Porto-Novo. By formalizing these roles, the party aims to create a clear division of labor among its senior officials, ensuring that every member of the political bureau has a defined area of oversight.
Resignations and Disciplinary Actions
Éric Houndété, the former vice-president of the National Assembly, announced his withdrawal from Les Démocrates on 9 October 2026. This departure occurred immediately preceding the party congress held in Porto-Novo. The withdrawal of such a high-ranking official marked a significant shift in the internal composition of the party just before the scheduled assembly.
Delegates present at the congress subsequently requested the permanent expulsion of five party officials. The assembly members cited these internal disciplinary actions as part of the broader effort to restructure the political organization. These individuals face removal following the formal requests submitted during the proceedings on 10 and 11 October 2026. The request for expulsion serves as a definitive measure taken by the delegates to address internal dissent or non-compliance within the party ranks. The party leadership intends for these disciplinary measures to consolidate the unity of the organization as it enters this new phase of its political mandate. The combination of leadership appointments and the removal of specific officials reflects the full nature of the restructuring process undertaken by Les Démocrates during the October congress.