Benin: José Tonato, new head of the Ministry of Energy
A technical adjustment has just been made within the Beninese executive, following a consultation with the office of the National Assembly and in accordance with the constitutional provisions in force.
SUMMARY
By presidential decree signed this Thursday, the Secretary General of the government, Édouard Ouin-ouro, has formalized the appointment of José Didier Tonato to the position of Minister of Energy, Water, and Mines. He will simultaneously retain his current functions as Minister of Living Environment and Transport, in charge of Sustainable Development.
An appointment to replace Paulin Akponna
This decision comes after the dismissal of Paulin Akponna, who fell from grace after a recent hasty public statement.
The departure of Paulin Akponna follows public declarations in Parakou, where he had denounced dysfunctions in the management of certain PAG projects, even alluding to suspicions of “siphoning off the national budget”.
These unusual media outings, although welcomed by some observers for their frankness, likely contributed to weaken his position within the government. He was thus dismissed this Thursday.
The appointment of José Tonato, a seasoned figure in the Talon team, is seen as a guarantee of continuity and technocratic efficiency. Already engaged in major urban and infrastructure projects, the minister is well aware of the demands of the governmental project. His dual portfolio, although hefty, should facilitate better synergy between the various segments of sustainable development and the management of strategic resources.
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