Bénin: senatorial institution defended as key to democratic stability

During a high-level discussion on rule of law and political alternation in Africa, held in Cotonou on 6 August 2026 by the Institute for Justice and Peace Artisans (IAJP/Co), the establishment of Benin’s Senate became a focal point of constructive dialogue.

Former minister and deputy Lazare Maurice Sehouéto, a prominent voice in the debate, argued that the Senate is not merely a legislative body but a vital pillar for strengthening democracy and regulating political life in Benin. He urged political actors to base their assessments on legal provisions rather than speculative concerns.

Constitutional role over speculative fears

Responding to former deputy Kamel Bio Sika Ouassagari’s reservations about the Senate’s powers, Sehouéto emphasized the importance of grounding political discourse in constitutional realities. He stressed that the bicameral system is a shared democratic tradition across nations that have used it to navigate fragile institutional periods.

Sehouéto highlighted key historical precedents to support his argument:

• France: The establishment of the Fifth Republic in 1958 to curb chronic governmental instability and restore institutional balance.
• Germany: The creation of a second chamber in the post-World War II era to embed checks and balances and prevent authoritarian drift.

Senate as a unifying force for Benin’s future

The former legislator cautioned against premature judgments and caricatured portrayals of the Senate, which he described as a stabilizing mechanism designed to foster national cohesion and secure long-term development pathways. He called for a mature, fact-driven dialogue among all political stakeholders and civil society actors to ensure the institution fulfills its intended role.

Sehouéto concluded by urging participants to engage in rigorous, evidence-based discussions, free from ideological distortions or partisan agendas.