Benin: Minutes of the Council of Ministers meeting of December 26, 2025
The Council of Ministers met on Friday, December 26, 2025, presided over by Mr. Patrice TALON, President of the Republic, Head of State, and Head of Government. During this government cabinet meeting, several decisions were taken.
SUMMARY
- I- Communications.
- I-1. Carrying out the studies and works for the requalification of the esplanade of the Palais des Congrès de Cotonou.
- I-2. Repair of damages caused during the events of December 7, 2025.
- II- Individual measures.
- At the Ministry of Interior and Public Security
- At the Ministry of National Defense
Below is the full report of this extraordinary cabinet meeting.
I- Communications.
I-1. Carrying out the studies and works for the requalification of the esplanade of the Palais des Congrès de Cotonou.
The planned developments aim to give the facility new uses, enabling it to meet contemporary requirements for versatility, mobility, and event logistics.
These works are part of the broad modernization program for key public spaces and the enhancement of Cotonou’s urban and tourist appeal.
Thus, the northern zone of the site will be reconfigured into a modular esplanade, designed to host fairs, cultural events, and institutional meetings.
Also planned are spectator zones and short-term parking areas.
The southern zone will serve solely as a parking area as well as for the logistics of the events, with landscaping and access oriented toward the south.
The reinstatement of the fencing along the Marina side and a stage podium will complete these transformations.
I-2. Repair of damages caused during the events of December 7, 2025.
A team from the Technical and Scientific Police had been commissioned to carry out investigations and assessments at the crime scenes. It appears that nine sites, both public and private, were heavily affected. Likewise, significant damage was caused to vehicles and military equipment.
Due to the severity of these damages, the report recommends that the State assume responsibility for their repair in order to restore the regular functioning of the affected structures and people.
The Council expressed its support and instructed the relevant ministers to take the necessary measures.
II- Individual measures.
The following promotions, to higher ranks within the senior command of the Defence and Security Forces, have been announced.
At the Ministry of Interior and Public Security
- Inspector General of Police, 2nd Class, effective January 15, 2026 : General Police Controller Brice Kocou ALLOWANOU
At the Ministry of National Defense
- Air Army General, effective January 1, 2026 : General of the Air Corps Bertin BADA
- General of the Army Corps, effective January 1, 2026 : General of Division Fructueux Candide Ahodègnon GBAGUIDI
- General of the Army Corps, effective January 15, 2026 : General of Division Abou ISSA
- Brigadier General, effective January 1, 2026 : Colonel-major Djimon Dieudonné TEVOEDJRE
- Brigadier General, effective January 15, 2026 : Colonel Faïzou GOMINA.
Done in Cotonou, December 26, 2025,
The Secretary General of the Government,
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