The 25 members of Benin’s inaugural Senate were sworn in at the National Assembly headquarters in Porto-Novo during a solemn ceremony led by Élisabeth Pognon, the second oldest senator present. The opening session began with a formal protocol, including an inaugural address and an official group photograph, followed by closed-door deliberations. In her remarks, Pognon emphasized that the Senate’s creation stems from the constitutional revision adopted on December 17, 2025. She highlighted its role in strengthening public trust and political stability while reinforcing the separation of powers within Benin’s governance framework.

The Senate’s mandate differs from that of the Constitutional Court, which adjudicates legal disputes. Under Article 113.1 of the Constitution, the Senate is tasked with safeguarding national unity, consolidating state authority, and promoting democratic values, peace, and political cohesion. Additionally, the Constitution empowers the Senate to impose sanctions on public figures who violate political or civic rights, subject to specific legal conditions.

One of the Senate’s key responsibilities is providing a non-objection opinion on constitutional amendments, electoral laws, and legislation governing political parties. This authority places the Senate at the heart of the legislative process for critical institutional reforms. The inaugural Senate comprises 25 members, including ex-officio representatives and appointees such as former public officials and retired defense and security personnel. With this inauguration, Benin now operates under a bicameral parliamentary system for the first time since the 1990 Constitution came into force.