Decentralization reform in Benin: local stakeholders share their expectations
The President of the Republic, Patrice Talon, gathered on Friday June 13, 2025, at the Marina Palace, the prefects, mayors, deputy mayors, Executive Secretaries of the municipalities, as well as representatives of the National Association of Municipalities of Benin (ANCB).
SUMMARY
This major meeting falls within the framework of a seminar to assess the structural reform of decentralization, three years after its launch.
Launched to correct the observed dysfunctions in municipal management, the decentralization project aimed to strengthen administrative efficiency and optimize local development. In opening the proceedings, President Talon emphasized the vital importance of this reform, describing decentralization as the “spearhead of public administration”.
He expressed his disappointment at certain abuses observed in the former configuration, marked by confusion of roles between elected political and administrative officials. This situation, according to him, motivated the clear separation of technical and political functions in the municipalities.
“Three years after the reform, are practices starting to change in the right direction?”, questioned the Head of State, calling for an objective and dispassionate critique of the progress of the reform, away from partisan divides.
The day of deliberation centered around two themes. The discussions allowed local elected officials to share their feedback and make concrete proposals to improve the effectiveness of the system.
The expectations expressed by the municipalities
On behalf of all local authorities, Luc Sètondji ATrokpo, president of the ANCB, commended the consistency of the Head of State in supporting the municipalities.
“No municipality is left behind. Your actions are visible from north to south, from east to west, through the center,” he said, also mentioning the reform of the partisan system which, according to him, contributed to the stabilization of municipal councils and better execution of Municipal Development Plans (PDC).
However, several concerns were brought to the President’s attention, including:
- The temporary resumption of the issuance of Customary Holding Certificates (ADC) pending the generalization of the title deed, to guarantee land security and support local resources;
- Clarification of the administrative status of mayors who are state civil servants, often faced with administrative impasses;
- The incorporation of company cars into the assets of municipalities, allowing their reassignment in compliance with current regulations.
A course maintained towards efficiency
This seminar marks a symbolic turning point in the evaluation of the reform initiated since 2022. It confirms the government’s commitment to continue the modernization process of local governance and to encourage the responsible autonomy of municipalities, in service of Benin’s sustainable development.
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