Bénin parliament assigns mediator role to first vice-president
The National Assembly of the Republic of Benin has enacted a significant legislative reform, transferring the functions of the Mediator of the Republic to the first vice-president of the Economic and Social Council (CES). The decision was adopted during a plenary session held at the Governors’ Palace on June 24, 2026.
The amendment to Law No. 2009-22 of January 3, 2014, which previously governed the Mediator of the Republic as a distinct position, was approved by the 10th legislature. This reform aims to streamline state institutions by eliminating the separate appointment process for this role.
a constitutional expert at the helm
As a result of the updated legal framework, the responsibilities of the Mediator of the Republic will now be automatically assumed by the first vice-president of the CES. Under the current composition of the council, this critical position falls to Razacki Amouda Issifou, who will concurrently serve in both roles.
Razacki Amouda Issifou brings an impressive legal background and extensive experience in high-level state functions to this new mandate. His career highlights include serving as vice-president and later president of the Constitutional Court, where he played a pivotal role in shaping Benin’s legal landscape.
Before his tenure on the Constitutional Court, he led the prestigious Law Commission at the National Assembly. His contributions to the nation’s electoral processes are also noteworthy, having served as the first secretary-general of the Autonomous National Electoral Commission (CENA) in 1996. Additionally, he held the position of mayor from 2010 to 2015 and has occupied key leadership roles within the Ministry of Justice.
With his deep understanding of administrative and constitutional mechanisms, Razacki Amouda Issifou is exceptionally well-equipped to guide the Mediator of the Republic through this new operational framework.
