Bénin streamlines institutional roles as ces vice-president takes over mediator duties
During a plenary session held on Wednesday, June 24, 2026, at the Palais des Gouverneurs, lawmakers of the 10th legislature approved a significant amendment to the legislation governing the Mediator of the Republic. The assembly examined and passed the bill modifying Law No. 2009-22 of January 3, 2014, fundamentally changing how this conciliation office is led.
A new era for administrative mediation
This legislative shift removes the need for a separate presidential appointment for the Mediator of the Republic. The primary objective is to optimize the efficiency of state bodies by merging specific responsibilities. Under the new framework, the duties of the mediator will be systematically assigned to the First Vice-President of the Economic and Social Council (CES).
As a result of the current leadership structure within the CES, this vital responsibility now falls to Razacki Amouda Issifou. He will manage his existing obligations as the council’s first vice-president alongside the mediation missions formerly handled by a standalone official.
An experienced legal figure at the helm
The transition places a highly experienced legal professional in charge of the mediation office. Razacki Amouda Issifou brings a wealth of knowledge from his previous high-level positions within the state apparatus. Notably, he has served as both Vice-President and President of the Constitutional Court, demonstrating a deep understanding of Bénin‘s legal foundations.
His career also includes a tenure at the National Assembly, where he chaired the influential Laws Commission. Furthermore, his administrative background is extensive; he served as the Secretary General of the first Autonomous National Electoral Commission (CENA) in 1996 and held a mayoral position between 2010 and 2015. His previous management roles within the Ministry of Justice further bolster his qualifications to lead this restructured institution.
By leveraging his mastery of administrative and constitutional mechanics, Issifou is positioned to ensure the Mediator of the Republic remains a cornerstone of institutional harmony in Bénin.
