Benin report - Institut Africain de la Gouvernance

CHAPTER THREE: DEMOCRACY AND POLITICAL GOVERNANCE__________________________________________________________________________the shortcomings in Benin‟s diplomatic system and government‟s failure toprotect the integrity of the national territory;lack of clarity and failure to update colonial texts, thereby questioningcurrent border demarcations;vibrant trading along and across borders, making it difficult to police them,and porous borders, uncontrolled immigration and settlement of peoplefrom neighbouring countries in the border areas;Balkanisation and poor parceling of the continent by colonial powers;fertile soils and land abounding in natural resources that are sources ofenvy by people in neighbouring countries; andneglect of border populations by the state and the lack of administration orinfrastructure in border regions, whose people are often marginalised.141. Conflicts with neighbouring countries mainly stem from the differences intheir political regimes. Meetings with stakeholders revealed that Benin‟sdispute is mainly with Togo. Information gathered on the ground confirms theresults of the survey on the origin of border conflicts. The CRM noted withsatisfaction that the two countries have approached the problem on the basis ofa policy of good neighbourliness, responsibility and, above all, a willingnessto seek favourable solutions through dialogue and consultation.142. Generally, following the documentary analysis, review of the CSAR andmeetings with stakeholders, the ARP Panel was happy to note the climate ofpeace that has reigned in Benin for the last 17 years. The panel furtherwelcomes the setting up of the framework for interfaith consultation in Benin.It encourages stakeholders to continue playing their roles of promoting peaceand interfaith harmony, as well as the efforts to ensure a larger representationof religious denominations.iii.Recommendations of the APR Panel143. In general, the APR Panel recommends that government and all stakeholders(civil society, political parties, the public and private media, the private sector,and so on) should:pursue and consolidate the policies of peace and social dialogue which areindispensable for entrenching democracy, political governance andeconomic and social development.144. Specifically, the panel recommends that government should:draw up and adopt a legal framework to determine the roles of traditionalauthorities in society and their duties and rights, and create awarenessamong them about human rights;75