In a statement released on August 2, former minister Valentin Djenontin-Agossou celebrated the return to freedom of his associate, Julien Kandé Kansou, hailing the presidential pardon as a constructive step toward national harmony.

While reaffirming his longstanding reservations about the circumstances surrounding Kansou’s detention, Djenontin-Agossou emphasized that intellectual honesty demands recognition of any measure that eases political tensions in the country.

He extended his gratitude to President Romuald Wadagni and his administration, describing the clemency as a triumph of humanity and a stride toward lasting peace.

Leveraging this political moment, Djenontin-Agossou urged the head of state to leverage this single act of clemency as a catalyst for broader national reconciliation efforts.

He further called for the extension of such measures to other detainees, particularly those he identifies as political prisoners, advocating for sincere dialogue, forgiveness, and unity as foundations for a cohesive society.