Benin report - Institut Africain de la Gouvernance

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY__________________________________________________________________________and Government to be held in January 2008. The president publicly renewedthis invitation during the 8 th Forum Summit of Heads of State and Government(APR Forum) held in Accra, Ghana, in July 2007. This commitment on thepart of the head of state was a major factor in the success of the exercisein Benin.1.5 It is important to emphasise a unique feature of the APRM process inBenin: the process does not really focus on the state of governance in Beninduring the current administration’s mandate. This administration has arelatively free hand in that the process provides it with a review of Benin’sstate of governance at the time of assuming power. All those who take up thereins of power are thus encouraged to get a clear idea of the state’scondition and the stakes and challenges of governance before they enteroffice.1.2 The progress of the CRM1.6 Benin‟s CRM was conducted by Mrs Marie-Angélique Savané, member of theAPR Panel of Eminent Persons, from 15 July to 5 August 2007. Benin thusbecame the sixth country to be assessed, and in particular, the firstfrancophone country in sub-Saharan Africa, as well as the first non-membercountry of the New Partnership for Africa‟s Development (NEPAD)Implementation Committee. This meant it was less informed on the APRMand less prepared for the process.1.7 The CRM managed to meet all those involved in the APRM process in Benin,in particular the president of the republic; the institutions of the republic;members of government; decentralised communities in certain of the country‟scommunes; political parties; civil society; opinion leaders, includingtraditional authorities, youth movements and women‟s organisations; groupsof disadvantaged persons; and the media. It was to carry out the widestpossible consultations with all stakeholders in order to deepen the CSAR andto formulate recommendations to reinforce and improve the programme ofaction.1.8 The work of the CRM began with an audience granted to the president of theCRM by the head of state, followed by the official launch of the review duringa ceremony attended by the institutional leaders of the republic, members ofgovernment, members of the diplomatic and consular corps, traditionalleaders, civil society, the private sector and the entire APRM delegation. Thepresident of the republic reiterated his support and personal involvement infacilitating the review process in his country. He urged all citizens of Benin,especially opinion leaders and decision makers at all levels, to assist the CRMwherever necessary, and especially to provide any requested informationfrankly and independently.1.9 The CRM conducted its work in three stages: the first in Cotonou, theeconomic capital and a major city in Benin where the majority ofgovernmental and diplomatic services are based; the second at the level of the2