The Conseil économique et social (CES) in Benin has taken a significant step in its institutional reform by integrating the personnel of the former Médiateur de la République into its workforce. This move is in line with the instructions of the President of CES, Abdoulaye BIO TCHANÉ, and was carried out by the Secretary General of CES, Aziz Armel PARAÏSO, on September 18, 2026. The integration aims to redefine the mediation process and strengthen the CES's role in addressing citizens' concerns.
The reform, which is part of a broader institutional overhaul, involves the transfer of assets and liabilities from the former Médiateur de la République to the CES. This change is enshrined in Organic Law No. 2026-13 of July 31, 2026, which amends the organic law related to the CES. The new internal regulations of the CES, validated by the Constitutional Court on August 27, 2026, also provide for the integration of the former mediation body into the CES.
One of the significant changes introduced by this reform is the reorganization of the mediation process. The former Médiateur de la République is no longer an autonomous institution, and its functions and resources have been integrated into the CES. However, the mediation function remains, albeit under the authority of the First Vice-President of the CES. Citizens can still submit their complaints to the CES as part of this mission.
The personnel of the former Médiateur de la République have been integrated into the CES workforce, following a decision by President Abdoulaye BIO TCHANÉ. The Secretary General of CES has assured the agents that they will play a vital role in the new organization and that their skills will be utilized to serve the CES's new missions. The redeployment of agents will be finalized once the administrative regulations are completed.
The integration of personnel is part of a broader effort to strengthen the CES's presence and effectiveness. The CES will soon move to a temporary site, pending the reconstruction of its headquarters. This relocation aims to bring together all CES personnel in a single work environment and facilitate the implementation of the new organization.
The Secretary General of CES has also presented the main orientations of the eighth mandate, which prioritize the CES's usefulness and proximity to citizens. The CES aims to be more responsive to the economic and social realities of the country, more present in the field, and closer to the populations. This new dynamic is reflected in the national tour conducted by President Abdoulaye BIO TCHANÉ, who met with local actors and presented the orientations guiding the action of the CES's departmental councils.
The reform also expands the responsibilities entrusted to the CES. The institution is expected to play a more significant role in addressing citizens' concerns and promoting national development. The CES's new missions and structure are designed to make it more effective and responsive to the needs of Benin's population.
Key points
- Integration of personnel from former Médiateur de la République into CES workforce
- Redefinition of mediation process and strengthening of CES's role
- Expansion of CES's responsibilities and missions
