Benin’s inaugural senate takes office

Benin has officially inaugurated its first-ever Senate, an institution comprising 25 parliamentarians. These members are not directly elected by the populace but are either appointed by the head of state or hold their positions ex officio, a category that includes former presidents.

This significant legislative body was established following a constitutional revision adopted in November 2025, primarily designed to introduce greater stability and regulation into the nation’s political landscape.

The inaugural ceremony was presided over by Élisabeth Pognon, the venerable 89-year-old doyenne of the Senate, who also holds the distinction of being the first woman to preside over the Constitutional Court. Addressing her fellow senators, she remarked, “You and I share the profound honor of being the pioneers within this nascent institution.”

Madam Pognon urged the parliamentarians to mold the Senate into a powerful instrument for fostering trust, ensuring stability, and strengthening the foundations of the Beninese State.

Among those present was former President Patrice Talon, who served from 2016 to 2026. He expressed his pride, stating, “I am proud to be part of this generation of leaders who are dedicating their utmost for our collective advancement… Wherever there is an opportunity to serve, we must seize it.”

Other past heads of state, such as Thomas Boni Yayi, who governed from 2006 to 2016, also sit alongside their peers in this new assembly. Paul Hounkpè, who ran as the sole opposition candidate in the most recent presidential election, is another notable member of the Senate.

Hounkpè emphasized the overarching goal: “National unity is paramount (…), ensuring peace and harmonious development for our country.”

The constitutional amendments that paved the way for the Senate also extended the presidential term from five to seven years. The last presidential election, held in April, saw Romuald Wadagni, former Minister of Economy and a close associate of Patrice Talon, emerge victorious as the new head of state.