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Nicéphore Soglo

Nicéphore Dieudonné Soglo is a Beninese politician who served as Prime Minister from 1990 to 1991 and as President from 1991 to 1996. He was also the Mayor of Cotonou from 2003 to 2015.

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NICEPHORE SOGLO

Nicéphore Soglo, born in what is now Togo, studied law and economics at the University of Paris and the prestigious École nationale d'administration. During his time in France, he met Rosine Vieyra, a Beninese student, and they married in 1958. The couple had two sons, Léhady and Ganiou.

After completing his studies, Soglo returned to Benin (then Dahomey), where he became Inspector of Finance. He soon joined the government as Minister of Finance and Economic Affairs after his cousin, Colonel Christophe Soglo, overthrew the president. However, following a subsequent coup that brought Mathieu Kérékou to power, Soglo left Benin and held positions with the IMF and the World Bank.

In the late 1980s, Benin faced economic difficulties under Kérékou's leadership. This led to a national conference that ultimately appointed Soglo as Prime Minister in 1990. He helped lead the country toward multiparty democracy and later won the country’s first multiparty presidential election in 1991. His presidency was marked by efforts to stabilize Benin's economy, though these measures were met with civil unrest.

Despite facing challenges, Soglo earned praise for upholding democratic values. In the 1996 election, he again secured a strong showing but was defeated in a run-off by Kérékou. He contested the results, citing irregularities, but the Constitutional Court upheld Kérékou's victory. He sought the presidency once more in 2001 but withdrew after the first round, alleging electoral fraud.

Outside of his presidential ambitions, Soglo remained active in politics. He won the Cotonou mayoral election in 2003 and was re-elected in 2008. During his tenure, he focused on urban improvements, tackling issues like pollution and waste management. In 2005, Soglo participated as an election observer in Liberia alongside former U.S. President Jimmy Carter.

When he reached the age limit for presidential candidates in 2006, his son Léhady took up the mantle, eventually succeeding him as mayor of Cotonou.


Reference: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nic%C3%A9phore_Soglo

GOVERNING TIME LINE

Nicéphore Soglo became President of Benin on April 4, 1991, after winning the country’s first multiparty election following the end of military rule. His presidency focused on economic reforms and democratic consolidation. He served until April 4, 1996, when he was defeated by Mathieu Kérékou in the next election, leading to a peaceful transfer of power.

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