The newly established institution comprises 25 parliamentarians. These individuals are not chosen through popular elections but are instead appointed by the Head of State or hold their positions as ex-officio members, a category that includes former presidents.
Its formation stems from a significant constitutional revision, approved in November 2025, primarily intended to “regulate political life” within the nation.
Presiding over the inaugural ceremony was Élisabeth Pognon, the Senate’s most senior member at 89 years old, who previously served as the first female president of the Constitutional Court. She addressed the assembly, stating, “Both you and I share the formidable honor of being the pioneers within this new institution.”
Pognon urged the parliamentarians to cultivate the Senate into “an instrument of trust, stability, and the consolidation of the state.”
Former President Patrice Talon, who served from 2016 to 2026, expressed his pride, remarking, “I am proud to be part of this generation of leaders who dedicate their best efforts towards our collective development… Wherever an opportunity to serve arises, we must not hesitate to seize it.”
Among other distinguished former heads of state also taking their seats is Thomas Boni Yayi, who led the nation from 2006 to 2016.
Paul Hounkpè, the sole opposition candidate in the recent presidential election where he was unsuccessful, has also joined the Senate. He articulated his conviction that “national unity is paramount (…), ensuring peace and the harmonious development of our country.”
Notably, the constitutional revision also extended the presidential term from five to seven years.
The most recent presidential election, held in April, saw Romuald Wadagni emerge victorious. Wadagni, a former Minister of Economy, is widely regarded as the successor to Patrice Talon.
