Bénin’s parliament redefines ombudsman role, appoints ces first vice-president
Gathered in a plenary session at the Palais des Gouverneurs on Wednesday, June 24, 2026, members of Bénin’s 10th legislature carefully reviewed and subsequently adopted a proposed bill. This legislation introduces significant amendments to Law No. 2009-22 of January 3, 2014, which governs the Office of the Mediator of the Republic.
This legislative reform effectively abolishes the previous system of a distinct appointment for the Mediator of the Republic, thereby streamlining the operational framework of state institutions within Bénin.
Going forward, the responsibilities of this crucial conciliation body will be automatically assumed by the first vice-president of the Economic and Social Council (CES). Given the current composition of the CES, this significant mandate now falls directly to Razacki Amouda Issifou.
Mr. Issifou will now concurrently hold his existing prerogatives as the first vice-president of the consultative institution alongside his newly assigned duties as the Mediator of the Republic.
The new Mediator of the Republic brings to this role a distinguished background as a seasoned jurist and extensive experience at the highest levels of state governance. Razacki Amouda Issifou has significantly contributed to Béninese public life, having served successively as vice-president and then president of the Constitutional Court.
His distinguished career also includes a tenure at the National Assembly, where he presided over the esteemed Law Commission. Additionally, he held the position of Secretary-General for the very first independent National Electoral Commission (CENA) in 1996 and served as a mayor between 2010 and 2015, following several strategic leadership roles within the Ministry of Justice.
His profound understanding of administrative and constitutional mechanisms positions him as a major asset to effectively lead this revised iteration of the Mediator of the Republic’s office.
