The government of Benin has made significant appointments in a major reshuffle across various sectors. These nominations were made during a Council of Ministers meeting held on November 4, 2026. The appointments reflect a strategic move to bring in new leadership and expertise to key positions within the government, its agencies, and institutions. This development aims to enhance governance and service delivery.
At the Presidency of the Republic, several key appointments have been made. Damien Mama has been appointed as Minister and Secretary Permanent of the National Committee for the Steering of Territorial Development Poles. Justin Adjovi takes on the role of Vice-Grand Chancellor of the National Orders of Benin, while Samou Seïdou Adambi is now the Permanent Commissioner of the Hajj. General of Army Corps Ahodégnon Candide Fructueux Gbaguidi has been appointed as the Secretary Permanent of the National Council for Defense and Security.
The Supreme Court has also seen new appointments, with Thierry S. Bidouzo taking on the role of Secretary General on the proposal of its President. In the telecommunications sector, Coovi Hervé Guédégrébé has been elected as the President of the Regulatory Authority for Electronic Communications and Posts (ARCEP), with Alain Ahounou as Vice-President. These appointments are expected to bring new dynamism to the regulation of the communications sector.
In the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Yacoubou Amadou has been appointed as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Benin to the Republic of Niger, while Malik Abdoul Gomina Seïbou Idrissou takes on the same role for the Russian Federation. Eusèbe Agbangla has been appointed as a Technical Advisor on Social Dialogue and Political Affairs, and Dave Dassi as Technical Advisor on Artificial Intelligence.
The Ministry of Interior and Public Security has witnessed several appointments, including Audrey Kouessi Fangnon and Sabi Daouda Dramane as Technical Advisors on Artificial Intelligence and Interior Affairs, respectively. Various charges de mission have also been appointed to traditional chiefs across different departments. These appointments aim to strengthen the government's presence and effectiveness at the local level.
In the defense sector, General of Army Corps Abou Issa has been appointed as Chief of General Staff of the Beninese Armed Forces. Other key appointments include Colonel André Dokoui Fofo as Chief of Staff of the Army, Colonel Hervé Sètondji Allotchenou as Chief of Staff of the Air Force, and Capitaine de vaisseau major Dossa Hounkpatin as Chief of Staff of the Navy. These appointments reflect the government's commitment to strengthening national defense.
Across other ministries, including Agriculture, Health, Education, and Decentralization, numerous appointments have been made to strengthen policy implementation and service delivery. These include appointments of directors, technical advisors, and charges de mission. The widespread nature of these appointments underscores the comprehensive approach the government is taking to enhance its operations and governance.
Key points
- A significant number of positions have been filled, indicating a major reshuffle within the government.
- The appointments span across the Presidency, Supreme Court, ARCEP, and 16 ministries, reflecting a broad strategy for administrative and institutional reform.
