The Republic of Benin has inaugurated its inaugural Senate, a 25-member chamber composed of individuals appointed by the president or holding ex-officio positions, including former heads of state.
Established through a constitutional amendment passed in November 2025, the Senate was designed to stabilize the political landscape and foster national cohesion.
The inauguration ceremony was led by the Senate’s senior member, Élisabeth Pognon, aged 89, who also holds the distinction of being Benin’s first female Constitutional Court president.
In her address, she underscored the historic significance of the occasion, stating, «You and I carry the weighty honor of being the first to serve in this new institution.»
Pognon urged senators to transform the Senate into a tool for trust-building, stability, and state consolidation, emphasizing collective responsibility in shaping the nation’s future.
Former President Patrice Talon (2016–2026) echoed this sentiment, expressing pride in contributing to national development. «I’m proud to be part of a generation of leaders committed to giving their best for our shared progress. Wherever we can serve, we must not hesitate,» he declared.
The Senate also includes other former presidents, such as Thomas Boni Yayi (2006–2016), alongside Paul Hounkpè, the sole opposition candidate in the most recent presidential election. Hounkpè, who did not win, emphasized the priority of national unity and sustainable development, stating, «What matters most is national unity… peace and harmonious progress for our country.»
The constitutional amendment that created the Senate also extended the presidential term from five to seven years. The latest presidential election, held in April 2026, was won by Romuald Wadagni, a former Economy Minister and protégé of Patrice Talon.
