Benin's Boni Yayi restructures cabinet days before presidential run off

Benin’s president Thomas Boni Yayi has realigned his cabinet weeks before his successor comes into office.

Three ministers of state have been included in the new government while six news personalities have paved their way into the regime.

Furthermore, presidential aspirant Lionel Zinsou’s function as the West African nation’s Prime Minister position has been renewed.

While most of the people in the government have had their positions renewed, the following ministers were not so lucky including interior minister Placide Azande, Pascal Dossou Togbe, Nadine Dako Tamadoho, Kombieni Pocoun Dame and Honorine Attikpa.

Last year, the outgoing leader announced a new 28-member government, which led to the new role of deputy prime minister along with three new minister of state jobs.

The announcement of the restructuring comes days before the country heads to a second round of presidential elections.

Prime Minister Lionel Zinsou and businessman Patrice Talon will contend for the country’s top job on March 20th after they garnered 28.4 per cent and 24.8 per cent respectively in the polls.

Benin PM Zinsou to face businessman Patrice Talon in run-off https://t.co/bpXAujfgfo

— africanews (@africanews) March 8, 2016

A record 33 candidates contested in the March 6th polls seeking to replace Boni Yayi who has been barred by the constitution from running for a third term in office.