Razacki Amouda Issifou named Bénin’s new Mediator of the Republic

A sweeping institutional reform has reshaped how Bénin’s top ombudsman is now chosen. Under the revised legal framework, the first vice-president of the Conseil économique et social (CES) automatically assumes the role of Mediator of the Republic. Razacki Amouda Issifou, who currently holds that position within the CES, has been installed as the country’s new Mediator of the Republic.

From legal scholar to national ombudsman

Razacki Amouda Issifou brings decades of public service to his new post. Trained as a jurist, he has served as a deputy in the National Assembly, chaired the parliamentary Commission des lois, and presided over the country’s first autonomous electoral commission (CENA) in 1996. Before his appointment as first vice-president of the CES, he held the position of vice-president at the Cour constitutionnelle.

How the reform changes the mediation landscape

The National Assembly endorsed the constitutional amendment on 24 June 2026, marking the end of direct appointments to the Mediator of the Republic. Under the revised system, the role is now permanently tied to the CES first vice-president, eliminating the need for separate nomination procedures. This streamlined approach aligns with broader efforts to modernize Bénin’s governance structures.

The Mediator of the Republic acts as an intermediary between citizens and public administration, helping to resolve disputes through dialogue and mediation whenever individuals feel aggrieved by state services.

Successor to a five-year term

Razacki Amouda Issifou takes over from Pascal Essou, who served as Mediator of the Republic from 2021 until the recent transition. The reform ensures continuity while introducing a more transparent and institutionalized process for selecting the country’s top ombudsman.