Benin: deputies amend the organic law on the Constitutional Court and adopt a new law on associations
The National Assembly adopted, this Wednesday, July 9, 2025 in a plenary session in Porto-Novo, two major legislative texts. These are law no.2025-18 amending and supplementing law no.2022-09 relating to the Constitutional Court, and law no.2025-19 on associations and foundations in the Republic of Benin.
SUMMARY
The session was chaired by the president of the National Assembly, Louis Vlavonou, in the presence of the Minister of Justice and Legislation, Yvon Détchénou.
The first law adopted relates to the modification of some provisions of the organic law relating to the Constitutional Court. According to the report presented by the Law Commission, the goal of this revision is to reconcile the accessibility of citizens to constitutional justice with the imperatives of specialization, efficiency, and predictability of the institution.
The reform introduces modifications to articles 27, 28, 29, 37, 40 and 86 of the 2022 law, while supplementing articles 29-1 and 37-1. Article 2 of the new law relates to the final provisions. The adoption of this text is part of a desire to adapt the legal framework to the demands of a strengthened rule of law.
A new law to regulate associations and foundations
The second text examined relates to associations and foundations. The new law, which replaces the one of 1901, includes 150 articles divided into four titles: general provisions, specific provisions for associations, specific provisions for foundations, and transitional and final provisions.
According to the Law Commission, this bill enables Benin to modernize its legal regime regarding freedom of association, while taking into account local realities. The text notably clarifies the fundamental principles, the conditions of creation, operation, as well as the rights and obligations of the concerned structures.
It also introduces specific provisions for associations of specific nature, such as intercommunal organizations or microfinance structures.
Reactions of the deputies
During the debates, several deputies praised the government’s initiative. The parliamentary group “Union Progressiste le Renouveau” questioned the future of already existing associations upon the law taking effect. Augustin Ahouanvoébla expressed a wish for a census of sectors requiring enhanced associative regulation.
Deputy Abou Torou felt that the new text brings a welcome clarification to the associative landscape. For his part, Honoré Guigui called for quick adoption of implementation decrees to regulate certain categories of associations.
On behalf of the parliamentary group “The Democrats”, deputies Joël Godonou and Kolawolé Ogbon advocated for a rigorous analysis of the text, emphasizing the role of associations as development actors.
Finally, Barthélémy Kassa of the “Bloc Républicain” defended the reform, insisting on its utility to better regulate income-generating activities disguised as charitable works. He notably mentioned the fight against tax evasion by certain NGOs.
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