Benin: Lazare Sehouéto invites political actors to avoid prejudices about the Senate.
During a debate on the rule of law and political alternation in Africa held on Thursday, August 6, 2026, in Cotonou by the Institute of Artisans of Justice and Peace (IAJP/Co), the creation of the Senate sparked constructive exchanges.
Speaking at this forum, former minister and deputy Lazare Maurice Sehouéto defended the institution as a tool for consolidating democracy and regulating politics.
In response to concerns raised by former deputy Kamel Bio Sika Ouassagari regarding the scope of the powers granted to the upper chamber, Lazare Maurice Sehouéto called for the analysis to be based on legal texts rather than on anticipatory fears.
According to the former parliamentarian, Benin’s approach is part of a democratic tradition shared by several nations that have established bicameralism to overcome periods of institutional fragility.
Historical precedents to illustrate the approach
To support his argument, Lazare Maurice Sehouéto highlighted comparative models:
- France: The establishment of the Fifth Republic to address the ministerial instability of previous regimes.
- Germany: The structuring of institutional safeguards following World War II to preserve the rule of law against any authoritarian drift.
A call for calm and objective debate
Rejecting premature judgments and intentions towards an institution in its infancy, the speaker reminded that the Senate primarily aims to ease political tensions, promote national unity, and secure the country’s development trajectories.
He concluded by inviting all political actors and civil society to engage in rigorous discussions based on facts and objective elements, far from any caricature.
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