The inaugural members of Bénin‘s Senate convened in Porto-Novo, the nation’s capital, to inaugurate the newly established upper chamber of Parliament. During this session, former Bénin President Patrice Talon was elected to lead the Senate for a five-year term ending in 2031.
The voting process concluded with Patrice Talon securing 24 votes in his favor, zero against, and a single abstention. At 68 years old, Talon previously served as Bénin‘s head of state from 2016 to 2026 before assuming his new legislative role.
Louis Vlavonou, a former Bénin National Assembly president, was elected as the Senate’s Vice President. Alassane Seidou, a former Interior Minister, was named Rapporteur, while Adidjatou Mathys was appointed Deputy Rapporteur, rounding out the executive team for this historic legislative body.
The Senate’s first session on July 30 marked the official establishment of Bénin‘s bicameral Parliament system, following a constitutional amendment enacted on December 17, 2025. This reform transformed the country’s previously unicameral legislature into a two-chamber structure comprising both the National Assembly and the Senate.
The newly formed Senate will focus on critical national priorities, including preserving national unity, strengthening state institutions, maintaining political stability, upholding democratic principles, ensuring peace, and respecting political truce agreements.
