The newly established Senate of Bénin comprises 25 members, appointed by the Head of State or holding ex-officio positions, including former Presidents.
This institution was created through a constitutional amendment passed in November 2025, with the primary goal of enhancing political regulation and fostering national stability.
The inauguration ceremony was led by the Senate’s eldest member, Élisabeth Pognon, aged 89, who also served as the first female President of the Constitutional Court.
“Together, we bear the weighty honor of being the pioneers of this new institution,” she remarked, urging senators to transform the Senate into a pillar of trust, stability, and state consolidation.
Patrice Talon, former President (2016–2026), expressed pride in contributing to national development, stating, “Wherever service is needed, we must step forward without hesitation.”
Among the Senate’s members are other former Presidents, including Thomas Boni Yayi (2006–2016), as well as Paul Hounkpè, who ran unsuccessfully in the last presidential election as the sole opposition candidate.
Hounkpè emphasized the importance of national unity, peace, and harmonious development as the Senate’s guiding principles.
The constitutional amendment also extended the presidential term from five to seven years, marking a significant shift in Bénin’s political structure.
The most recent presidential election, held in April, was won by Romuald Wadagni, a former Economy Minister and close ally of Patrice Talon.
