Benin's PRD Addresses Split Rumors: Base Consultation Key to Decisions

Benin's PRD Party Addresses Split Rumors: 'Decisions Aren't Made Unilaterally,' Says Deputy Secretary-General Amidst circulating rumors of a rift between the Parti du Renouveau Démocratique (PRD) and the Union Progressiste (UP) in Benin, Gratien Laurent Amelon, the PRD's deputy secretary-general, has stepped forward to clarify the situation. In an exclusive interview, Amelon emphasized that the PRD's decisions are not made hastily but are instead the result of thorough consultations with the party's grassroots members. "The PRD does not function in a way that decisions are made at random," Amelon stated. "We have established institutions at the base level that guide our actions. Before any significant decision is taken, we engage in extensive consultations to ensure that the base is in agreement." The rumors of a PRD-UP split have caused considerable speculation within Beninese political circles. Amelon's comments aim to quell these concerns and clarify the party's internal processes. He underscored the PRD's commitment to democratic decision-making, ensuring that the voices of its members are heard and considered before any major political moves are made. The party's base, he says, will ultimately determine the next steps in their relationship with the UP.