Bénin has officially inaugurated its first-ever Senate, an institution comprising 25 parliamentarians. These members are not directly elected by the public but are appointed by the head of state or hold their positions by right, a category that includes former presidents.
This new parliamentary body was established following a constitutional revision that was adopted in November 2025, primarily with the aim of “regulating political life” within the nation.
The inaugural ceremony was presided over by Élisabeth Pognon, who, at 89 years old, holds the distinction of being the Senate’s doyen and was also the first woman to serve as president of the Constitutional Court. She addressed the assembled members, emphasizing the historic nature of their roles.
“You and I bear the formidable honor of being the pioneers within this novel institution,” she declared, urging the parliamentarians to mold the Senate into “an instrument of confidence, stability, and a pillar for consolidating the State.”
Former President Patrice Talon, who served from 2016 to 2026, expressed his pride in being part of a generation of leaders dedicated to the nation’s collective advancement. “I am proud to be part of this generation of leaders who give their best for our common development… Wherever one can serve, one cannot fail to do so,” he affirmed.
Alongside him, other former heads of state, such as Thomas Boni Yayi (2006-2016), also hold seats in the newly formed Senate. Paul Hounkpè, who was the sole opposition candidate in the most recent presidential election and was unsuccessful, is also a member of this esteemed body.
Hounkpè underscored the importance of national cohesion, stating, “What takes precedence is national unity (…), that there is peace and harmonious development for our country.”
The constitutional revision that paved the way for the Senate also brought about another significant change: it extended the presidential term from five to seven years. The most recent presidential election, held in April, saw Romuald Wadagni, the former Minister of Economy and a close associate of Patrice Talon, emerge victorious.
