Benin Politics

WHICH OUTCOME FOR MARCH 6 ELECTIONS IN BENIN REPUBLIC?

2011-02-20T19:25:00.004+01:00

As the West African State of Benin is due to hold its next presidentialelections on March 6, the incumbent President Boni Yayi, outsider and unknownfigure before the 2006 presidential elections in which, he took many bysurprise by being in the lead with more than 35% of the vote, according to thefirst round results, is to face fierce opposition from a broad base coalition.

Boni Yayi was elected in the March 2006, after a campaign during whichhe promised to combat corruption, restore rule of law, strengthen democraticinstitutions, and promote national unity and cohesion, and economic development.Under the former President Mathieu Kerekou, who ruled Benin the first time, fromOctober 1972 to April 1991 under a military dictatorship and the second time,from April 1996 to April 2006 under democratic regime, corruption has causedthe people to reject the main political leaders who could succeed him.

In 2006 when came the end of Mathieu Kerekou's second term, Boni Yayiwas the head of a regional bank and was not known as a real political leader.But, that was his most important asset at the time since the Beninese peoplewere willing to elect someone that had no ties with politicians.

Therefore, Boni Yayi's victory in 2006 was seen by many observers as therejection of the traditional political elites by the people who wanted changein the way the country's affairs were run. However, Boni Yayi, after givingsigns of real willingness of change during few months by sacking some of hisministers on the charges of corruption and wrongdoings, seemed to have backeddown from his initial pledges concerning good governance. Series of corruptionscandals had marked Boni Yayi's rule.

Moreover, he was unable to form a large coalition that could support hispolicy. After the March 2008 local elections in which he tried unsuccessfullyto unseat from his position of Cotonou Mayor, the former President NicephoreSoglo, who governed the country from April 1991 to April 1996 and was among hismain backers in 2006, Boni Yayi lost the support of Soglo's Benin Rebirth Partythat joined the opposition. With other major political parties that have theirfief in the South, Soglo formed a coalition named UN. This coalition’s candidateis Adrien Houngbedji who, as Boni Yayi’s main contender in 2006, came secondbehind him by winning 25% of the vote. This former Speaker of the Parliament isan international lawyer and is well-known for being a skillful politician.

Apart from the fact that Boni Yayi has to face this growing opposition,he also has to deal with the split of his power base that is the Northernregion of the country. Another regional banker from the North, Bio Tchane seemsto be doing well in this region too. In the Parliament Bio Tchane has managedto win the support of many MPs.

Anyway, the former Benin President is likely to beamong these three contenders despite the fact that 14 candidates stands for president in this March 6 elections.

BENIN ON THE VERGE OF CHAOS

2011-02-18T10:13:00.002+01:00

Tension in the West African state of Benin overthe upcoming presidential elections due to be held on March 6.

Tension between the parliamentarians ofopposition and the ones of the ruling coalition rose Thursday 16, when thesession convened to appoint at local level the members of the Electoral Commission due toorganize the poll was about to start.

One opposition MP claimed the Speaker was inbreach of the internal procedure rule by deciding to begin working without the presenceof two Parliamentary Secretaries. He threatened to prevent the Speaker fromopening the debate if he carried on despite the absence the two secretaries. Hethen walked towards the Speaker who ordered his guards to prevent him and evenbeat him, according to reports from local news papers.

The parliamentarian was joined by hiscolleagues of the opposition to vehemently criticize the Speaker’s attempt toresume work without the Parliamentary Secretaries while the ruling parties’ MPsreacted angrily. It then followed exchanges of insults and verbalconfrontations. However, the Parliament could not resume work since theopposition MPs continued with their protest by making loud noise preventing theSpeaker from carrying on. Outside the Parliament compound were stationed armed soldiersthat prevented the public from entering.

The main reason behind this tension is the upcomingpresidential elections scheduled to take place on March 6. The oppositionaccuses the government of preparing the conditions for vote rigging and fraud. Thedeadline provided by electoral law for the voter registry to be ready expired whilethe enrollment is far from being completed. There are reports confirmed by theCPS-LEPI, the body entrusted to register the voters that more than 1.3 million citizensempowered by the Constitution to vote were not included in the process. Other registeredvoters find their names on the registry but far from their location, even in adifferent city or region from where they are supposed to take part in the poll.

Initially, the poll was to due to take place onFebruary 27 but was postponed because these different problems related to thevoter registry were not solved. However, the opposition points out thataccording to the electoral law the voter registry should have been available,if the poll had had to be held on March 6. Once available the voter registry mustbe certified by independent experts to make sure it does not allow frauds. Meanwhile11 candidates among the 13 that stand for president in the elections call for further postponementof the poll to allow the voter registry to be fully completed.

So far the government does not seem willing toback down from its line which is that the elections must take place on March 6even if right now the voter registry is not available. The opposition hastherefore adopted a strategy consisting of blocking the electoral process by preventing Parliament from appointing the members of the Electoral Commission at thelocal level.

As the tension between both camps, the oppositionand the ruling coalition, has been rising high, many have called for dialoguebut it is unlikely the government may compromise. Benin, known to be a stableand peaceful democracy since 1990, seems increasingly to be on the verge chaos.For the time being the so-called International Community cares little andthings are going on as if there is no cause for concern but very soon it couldbe late.

Benin Politics : BONI YAYI MAY HAVE TO BE PROSECUTED

2010-07-30T10:10:00.000+01:00

Parliamentarians ask for his prosecution. Something unusual may be about to happen in Benin where two members of National Assembly, which is the legislative body of the country, have written a letter to the Speaker asking him to convene the Parliament for a session over the possible prosecution against Boni Yayi. Boni Yayi's Government is alleged to be involved in a financial scandal.

Since the beginning of his presidency in April 2006 an organization named ICC service, which was suppose to be an NGO, has been promising high interests rate to people in return of collecting their savings. ICC Service is said to have collected billion of CFA francs from Beninese. Many among the civil society and in opposition have always tried in vain to call upon the government to take action.

However, early this month, the government could not remain insensitive to the growing pressure coming from both the National Assembly and the people who could not be in possession of their savings. The Interior Minister, Armand Zinzindohoué known to be a close ally of Boni Yayi was thrown out of the government. He was accused of giving protection to the ICC Service executives. Later he was arrested and released but is still held in house confinement. Boni Yayi wrote a letter to National Assembly’s Speaker urging its members to allow the prosecution of the former Interior Minister before the High Court of Justice. This Court is the only body which, according to Benin constitution, is able to prosecute high officials accused of committing wrongdoings during their time in office. Attorney General was also arrested.

Yet, there is a widespread sentiment that the President Boni Yayi and his entourage have been deeply involved in this scandal and have been doing all they could to survive politically by making some other high officials scapegoats. During a session held by the National Assembly this month, opposition fiercely criticized the government for failing to protect people’s savings and properties and for indulging in suspicious relationships with criminal groups.

Now, two National Assembly members, Sacca FIKARA and a former ally of Boni Yayi still member of the ruling FCBE, Janvier YAHOUEDEOU write a letter to Speaker inviting him to convene a session on the issue. Both Parliamentarians think that there are enough charges against Boni Yayi for him to be prosecuted by the High Court of Justice. If this request is favorably considered by the National Assembly, it will be the first time in Benin history since the start the democratic process in 1990 that a President comes under charges before the High Court of Justice.

Benin Politics : WHAT SHOULD THE RESPONSE OF BENIN BE TO CLIMATE CHANGE?

2010-05-11T15:10:00.015+01:00

While developed countries that are the most responsible for climate change have been bracing themselves for alternative policy on industrialization and on issues such as transport, consumption and so on, developing world has been waiting for developed one to finance its policy aiming at reducing greenhouse emission. Copenhagen climate summit’s failure indicates that Africans’ expectations may never be met in a near future. In that case, what should the policy of African governments be? Benin, is one of the African developing countries which are going to be hit the most by the potential disasters resulting from global warming, yet has still been relying on cotton production as her main export goods causing more damage to the environment.

Cotonou, Benin biggest city in terms of demography is the scene of smoking motorbikes and in the farmlands in northern region, wildfire made to prepare lands for farming is common despite the growing concern about global warming resulting in serious environmental damage. It looks like neither the ordinary citizens nor the leaders in Benin are aware of this challenge facing the world.

In Benin, people still believe that witchcraft and sorcery can provoke the drop of rainfall. This may be the reason why the reduction in the rain causing the domestic foods production to fall does not seem to worry people as it should.

FAO Regional Conference for Africa (ARC) 26th Session, which was held in Luanda (Angola), from 3 to 7 May 2010, pointed out the threats facing the developing nations of Africa. According to the report issued by FAO, African countries will suffer the most from the global warming. The severe drought, the rise of sea level may lead to the disappearance of large portion of fertile lands. Land disputes or conflicts generated by this environmental damage will put instability and peace in jeopardy.

However, many African governments still hope to combat poverty by encouraging the production of crops to meet the industrial demands of developed countries. Boni YAYI, since he came in office in Benin, has been wasting billions of CFA francs to promote cotton production which is no longer competitive due to the subsidizes given by western governments to their farmers. Moreover, because of the reduction of rainfall, the cotton production has been decreasing significantly. A journalist of a local newspaper, La Presse du Jour, in an article issued on April 02, 2010, wrote this:

“According to statistics, from 2006 to today, around 92 billion CFA francs has been spent by the government on cotton production in an attempt to boost it. Despite this heavy investment, which should increase domestic production, it has fallen for more than 65%.”

This is a policy that does not seem to reverse soon for cotton farmers’ lobby is one of major protagonists involved in Benin politics and no politician dare to lose their support.

However, this has to change because the consequences of inactions will be far worse than the consequences of actions. Benin politicians must take responsibility in combating climate change.

Benin Politics : COMPUTERIZATION OF VOTERS REGISTER STILL A DIVISIVE ISSUE

2010-03-03T15:21:00.007+01:00

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Opposition intended to pass a bill on last Monday, March 01, 2010 to put an end to the process of voters registry computerization but was prevented from doing so by a letter sent to the Speaker by President Boni Yayi, urging him to reject the proposed bill on ground that it would be a breach to international accords Benin signed.

Benin is due to hold its next presidential elections in March 2011. According to Boni Yayi government, these elections must be conducted with a computerized voters’ registry. The Opposition on the other hand accuses the government of not conducting the process of voters’ registry computerization with enough transparency.

The Opposition parties, RB, PRD, PSD, MADEP, and Force Clé which makes up a broad coalition, "Union fait la Nation" (UN) felt that the Head of State, the President Boni Yayi was not willing to listen to them. They have decided to pass a bill in National Assembly that will ban the ongoing voters’ registry computerization process from moving forward.

The Opposition leaders explain that they too agree on the importance of voters’ registry computerization in order to have fair and peaceful presidential elections in March 2011. However, according to them, the way in which the process has been conducted so far does not guarantee transparency and inclusiveness needed for it to be acceptable as a tool that can help prevent vote rigging and assure a fair pool.

During a previous meeting between the Opposition and the Government, it has been decided that the process of voters’ registry computerization will undergo a checkup, which will include both parties (the Opposition and the Government), to find out how effective it could be in helping to conduct a peaceful election. Nevertheless, the Opposition complains it has never been aware of nor been invited to take part into any revaluation of the process. Instead, a United Nation mission who has been in Cotonou since February 22, 2010, has been invited by the Head of State to conduct the evaluation.

The members of this United Nations mission met with both the Opposition and the Government but have not made public their report. Some analysts in local media have expressed fear that Boni Yayi Government might be manipulating the members of United Nations mission.

In a press conference on Monday, March 01, 2010, after Opposition attempt to pass the bill could not go ahead, its leaders criticize the involvement of President Boni Yayi in National Assembly functioning since Benin Constitution, declaring the separation between Executive, Legislative, and Judiciary bodies, does not allow such a move. Lately, the National Assembly Speaker convened the Benin lawmakers to a special session due to take place on Tuesday, March 04, 2010, in Porto-Novo to work on the initial bill, which was supposed to be passed on Monday, March 01, 2010.

On Wednesday, March 03, 2010, news of Epiphane Quenum being relieved of his position as Head of the body that is in charge of voters’ registry computerization process took many by surprise. Though he has been an influential opposition member, Epiphane Quenum has never earned the trust of Opposition leaders since he was appointed to supervise the process. Opposition leaders suggest he has been manipulated by Boni YAYI.

Benin Politics : HEALTHCARE CRISIS

2009-06-04T11:24:00.000+01:00

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Opposition coalition accuses the Government

Due to the ongoing dramas taking place in Benin healthcare system, the several and repeated strikes in the healthcare sector resulting in the death of children and pregnant women, the Opposition coalition of G4, G13 and Force Clé voices its indignation. The Opposition leaders accuse President Boni Yayi’s Government of what they see as indifference on its part. Here is the joined statement that they released on Monday, May 25, 2009:

Health centers, at district level, at commune level, at the level of the sanitary areas, in fact have been no longer working. In the best case, one meet Monday and Friday, some health workers frustrated and deluded. The people, confused, are now forced to turn either to self-medication or to private healthcare centers, of which most of the best are poorly supervised, with neither the staff nor the appropriate equipment. In public health, dramas are being played daily, with losses of human lives, including children and pregnant women.

This long paralysis almost incomprehensible of the health system in our country is due, according to the workers and leaders of different labor unions to:

- A lack of medical equipment;

- A lack of staff in all medical professions;

- Disparities or inequities in payments of a number of financial gains owed to workers (bonuses, allowances ...)

- Promises or unfulfilled commitments regarding professional reclassification or transfer of a number of workers in the health sector, poor management of human resources.

The FCBE/UMPP State, its government and its head, up to day, have not felt the need to give any explanation or even any attention to the cries of distress of the population and health personnel. President Yayi Boni and his government so love the people that they leave them dying in silence. Those who are alive are struggling in this situation of acute social crisis and insecurity. They are drenched with the immoral shuttle of official vehicles and bustle of the "presidential visits" punctuated with meetings of propaganda, and "ministerial visits" including the visit of the Minister of Health in "search of arable land" and "young people to recruit into agriculture ", and "explanations tours" of ministers, of heads of central public administration, culminating in marches of support, religious cults of support and even adulation and praise to the glory of the President of the Republic. Some media organizations, especially the State media, lack neither the zeal, nor the ingenuity to fill our ears, our eyes, and our minds. In addition, in the silence, children, pregnant women, poor people have been dying before the closed door of the care and delivery room.

Faced with this situation, political organizations united in the Union makes the Nation (G4, G13 and Force Clé).

- Express their sincere sympathy with the Beninese people of urban and rural areas for the human, moral and material dramas they have been undergoing because of the almost complete paralysis of the health system in our country;

- Strongly denounce the indifference displayed by the Government and its head and diversionary maneuvers organized to hide the real suffering of our people and divert attention, including attention of foreign public opinion, to images falsely idyllic regarding the country’s situation

- Require that the Government start without delay, direct, frank and open dialogue with employees about the problems they pointed out, that it resolve them diligently, instead of running away from the real problems and engaging in an illegal and morally offensive campaign;

- Ask MPs to question the Government on the crisis in the health sector;

- Call on workers, including health workers of all categories, to be patient, reasonable, but also open to dialogue, so that the talks with the Government lead as earlier as possible to a resumption of work in the highest interest of the overwhelming majority of citizens, who have been arrogantly laughed at by a minority which came to power under the conditions that you know, and wishes to confiscate this power through diversion and propaganda.

The Union makes the Nation calls on all genuine democrats in our country to commit themselves further to sensitizing and raising the consciousness of our people, so that they are not, once again, deceived or being the victims of demagoguery and populism, for none will be allowed anymore to say, "We did not know" or "We have fooled ourselves." The more profound is the night, the nearer is the day.

Cotonou, 25 May 2009

Coordination of Unit makes the Nation

Benin Politics : COMEMORATION OF ARPARTHIED ABOLISHMENT

2009-06-04T11:18:00.000+01:00

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The event was celebrated at South Africa Embassy

At the South African Embassy in Cotonou, Benin officials, local diplomatic community, and South Africans living in Benin met late Wednesday evening to celebrate the end of the apartheid regime on March 17, 1992 thanks to a referendum, which resulted in the abolition of the system of racial discrimination in place in South Africa.

Alfred Cossi Chodaton
alf2chod@yahoo.fr

The Benin Government was represented at the ceremony by a delegation headed by Mr. Désiré Adadja, Minister in charge of Communication and Information Technology and Mr. Justin ADAMAI, Minister in charge of Environment and Ecology. Other institutions were also represented. The Chairman of the Constitutional Court, Robert Dossou represented his Institution. Joseph Gnonlonfoun represented the Audiovisual and Communication High Authority (HAAC), Moïse Mensah represented the High Commissar of Concerted Governance. There were also MPs who attended the ceremony

The ceremony scheduled to start at 7 p.m. began with the National Anthems of both countries. Then the South African Ambassador in Benin, Sikose Ntombazana Mji, delivered her speech. In her address, after pointing out the progress made by South Africa since the end of apartheid regime in 1992, she related the involvement of South Africa at the AU level for the setting up of NEPAD and MAEP and the history of diplomatic relationships between Benin Republic and Republic of South Africa. She also praised the economical and diplomatic relationships between both countries that she qualified them as excellent. She talked about the investment of MTN in the GSM sector in Benin and the presence on Benin market of different foods and drinks made in South Africa. She concluded by expressing her desire for these relationships to improve further.

Désiré Adadja, on his part, as the representative of Benin Government, called to the minds of the attendance the economical and political achievements of South Africa since the end of the apartheid regime. He emphasized the role of its leaders, Nelson Mendela, Tabo M’Béki and so on. He expressed his satisfaction and admiration with the involvement of South African leadership in conflict prevention and resolution on the continent. He said that the Benin Government feels deeply grateful towards South Africa. Finally, he congratulated the current South African President, Jacob Zuma for his election in the last April.

He ended his address by hoping that the relationships between both countries be deepened, extended, and diversified. It was an occasion for both countries to reaffirm their commitments to African Unity. Afterwards, a cocktail party took place in the Embassy.

This celebrate was actually due to take place on April 27, which was the day, in 1994, when the first democratic election was held in South Africa, an election during which all adults could vote irrespective of their race, and the day, in 1997, when the new constitution took effect.

Before then, since the end of World War II in the 40’s, the country has been under apartheid regime. With the enactment of apartheid laws in 1948, racial discrimination was institutionalized. Race laws touched every aspect of social life, including a prohibition of marriage between non-whites and whites, and the sanctioning of ``white-only'' jobs. In 1950, the Population Registration Act required that all South Africans be racially classified into one of three categories: white, black (African), or colored (of mixed decent).

In late 1991, the Convention for a Democratic South Africa (CODESA), a multiracial forum set up by de Klerk and Mandela, began efforts to negotiate a new constitution and a transition to a multiracial democracy with majority rule. In March 1992, voters in a referendum open only to whites endorsed constitutional reform efforts by a wide margin.
This kind of ceremony at the South African Embassy in Cotonou aiming at celebrating this major turning point in the country’s history is the first since this Embassy has been installed in Benin in 2007.

Benin Politics : PRESIDENTIAL CAMP

2009-05-22T12:49:00.000+01:00

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Boni Yayi sets up a new political coalition

Over 180 political parties and 150 political associations met on Saturday, May 16, 2009, at Palais des Congrès in Cotonou to set up a formal alliance, UMPP (in French: Union pour la Majorité Présidentielle Plurielle) which is supposed to assure a clear victory to Boni Yayi in the March 2011 presidential race.

Alfred Cossi Chodaton
alf2chod@yahoo.fr

Birth of this coalition marks a turning point in Benin politics and indicates Boni Yayi in order to win March 2011 race intends to broaden his political base by opening the access to his camp to more political parties and associations.

President Boni Yayi in his opening statement pointed out that the newly born Alliance should be seen as a gathering of all those who care for Benin development. Accordingly, he invited all other political forces to come together to build the country with him

However, he made very clear that as the Head of State, he is the President of all Beninese and therefore has bias for neither side, nor a political party. Both Amos Elègbè who is one of the major actors behind this Alliance and Idrissou Ibrahima also raised this point.

According to Idrissou Ibrahima, the concept of plural majority responds to the fact that political parties, coalitions of political parties and associations that make up the UMPP retain their autonomy while conforming to the decisions of the Alliance.

Boni Yayi, who is faced with an opposition coalition made up of G4, G13, and Force Clé, knows he cannot rely on an eventual break of this opposition alliance to win the next presidential elections. Therefore, he has decided in the end to unify all the political organizations, which are allied to him. By doing so, he hopes to have a unified and cohesive coalition, which is supposed to increase his chances in these elections.

Many political associations or parties which claim to be backing Boni Yayi’s Government have several times expressed frustrations about the fact that the ruling FCBE has all the time been the only political force the Head of State has actually been relying on. So, the setting up of UMPP is an attempt on the part of Boni Yayi to heal divisions within his camp whose scale is broader than the ruling FCBE.

Since the start of the democratic era in 1990, it is the first time in Benin political history, the Head of State has openly been involved in the formation of an alliance intending to support him.

This is being seen differently in the media. For some, UMPP might be a powerful tool that, if appropriately controlled, can help Boni Yayi secure his reelection. It can also be seen as a sign of the ability of Boni Yayi to undertake political initiatives to oppose his adversaries and thwart their plans.

Many local councilors, members, or even MPs of the opposition parties have defected to join his camp recently. Then, all this may be a positive sign indicating he has been consolidating his grip on the political landscape.

However, other analysts view the birth of UMPP as something that might deepen the division within the ruling FCBE. Since it may increase the already existing rivalries within the presidential camp and lead to its implosion.

In an act of defiance, some FCBE MPs have recently attempted unsuccessfully to form a parliamentary group. The reason behind this inner rebellion was, according to many, due to the defection from G13 Alliance of MP Rachidi Gbadamassi who is said to have been bribed into joining the presidential camp.

The arrival of Rachidi Gbadamassi has triggered this rebellion because it increases the number of rivals within the ruling FCBE. Therefore, the same scenario could take place if many former outsiders were allowed in.

There are analyses suggesting this kind of Alliance in the presidential camp is not something new as there have been many political associations set up to back the President Boni Yayi.

Moreover, it is reported the Executive Board of the newly born Alliance is yet to be installed, as there have already appeared rivalries over who should head it. Some FCBE members suggest they are the ones that should naturally head the Alliance but the smaller political parties think they should have their say.

In such a situation even if this new Alliance might be useful to Boni Yayi to secure his reelection, it is yet to be proven so. Talking about Boni Yayi’s rush in his crusade for his reelection, one Journalist of the daily newspaper, Le Matinal writes: « By accepting the support of Rachidi Gbadamassi, the same that used to vilify him just moment ago and he himself has described as not very advisable as friend, he has alienated the backing of some politicians and the public disenchanted with his governance and his acquaintances with those he formally saw as robbers. This proves that the Head of State does not know either those who are his friends or those who are his opponents. He lacks the ability to indentify those who will be useful to him... »

Benin Politics : HIGH COURT MEMBER DIED

2009-05-22T12:45:00.000+01:00

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Former Minister, Constitutional Judge dies in Benin

A former Beninese Minister and current member of the Constitutional Court, Robert Tagnon, died on Sunday, May 17, 2009, of a protracted illness.

Alfred Cossi Chodaton
alf2chod@yahoo.fr

Robert Tagnon died at the National University Hospital Center (CNHU) Hubert Maga Koutoukou in Cotonou.

While he was waiting to undergo a surgery over peritonitis in the evening this Sunday, Robert Tagnon died around 7 P.M. His death reduces the number of Constitutional Judges from seven to six. In fact, it is as a personality with professional renown, a status provided by the Constitution, that he used to sit in the high Court on behalf of the Government.

In case like this one, as required by the organic law of the high court in its article 13, the vacuum caused by his death will be filled with a successor within fifteen days.

The deceased was minister in the government of President Emile Derlin Zinsou in 1968. Under the revolutionary regime, he had been jailed with a certain Saka Fikar for many years.

At the Conference of the Active Forces of the Nation in February 1990, his civil rights were restored thanks to a general pardon. He became Minister in charge of Planning in President Nicéphore Dieudonné Soglo’s government, as Soglo was the first president elected after the start of the democratic era.

In February 2002, he responded to a call from Bruno Amoussou, Minister of State in Kérékou government, as chargé de mission although he was an opposition member. Afterwards, he has returned to anonymity until his appointment, by President Yayi Boni as Constitutional Judge.

Therefore, he used to sit as the six other members of the Court, Robert Dossou, Théodore Holo, Clémence Gnimbéré Dansou, Ali Zime Yerima, Marcelline Gbêha, and Bernard Dégboé after he swore in on the late June 6. He died at the age of 74.

Benin Politics : EU-BENIN

2009-05-22T12:39:00.000+01:00

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European Union grants Benin CFA F 33 billion budgetary aid

The European Union (EU) has granted Benin a budgetary aid of 50.5 milllion Euros (about CFA F 33 billion) for the 2009-2011 period, sources close to the Union delegation told PANA here on Monday.

PANA

The aid granted, in the form of a donation to strengthen Benin's national budget, aims at supporting the country in implementing the Poverty Reduction and Growth Strategy (PRGS) in a bid to meet the Millenium Development Goals.

It is the first stage of a general budgetary support of 100 million Euros as part of the 10th European Development Fund (EDF).

With the amount, the EU support has now grown from 10 million Euros annually (CFA F 6.5 billion) to Euros 16.5 million Euros (or CFA F 10.8 billion).

Apart from this support, Benin and the EU also signed, on Thursday, a codicil to the National Indicative Program to increase, by 1.42 million Euros, aid from the EDF, to compensate and help ACP countries face instability in their exports.

The amount will be granted besides the budgetary aid with the disbursement of the annual amount for the year 2010.

Benin Politics : CARDINAL BERNARDIN GANTIN

2009-05-15T13:02:00.000+01:00

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Boni Yayi institutes award in honor of late prelate

Beninese Head of State Boni Yayi on Wednesday evening in Cotonou institutionalized an award in memory of the late Beninese prelate, Cardinal Bernardin Gantin.

PANA

Tagged the “Cardinal Bernardin Gantin International Great Award,” it is being sponsored by the government and the clergy.

It is aimed at recognizing the efforts of men, women, and institutions that distinguished themselves in the service of humanity.

Cardinal Gantin, who died on 13 May 2008 at the age of 80, was the dean of the College of the Cardinals of the Vatican and occupied top posts in the Catholic Church and within the Vatican.

Benin Politics : BENIN POLITICS

2009-05-15T12:05:00.000+01:00

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Where does RB stands?

There have been reports in the media about a crisis meeting, which took place at the Party headquarters in Cotonou and gathered the members of Executive Board on late Wednesday, May 13, 2009 from 7 P.M. to 1 A.M. local time.

Alfred Cossi Chodaton
alf2chod@yahoo.fr

Two years ahead of next presidential elections due to take place in March 2011, on the political scene, the position of Renaissance du Bénin, whose stand might condition the outcome of this election, is still unclear.

The meeting was reported to be so tense and the differences of views were openly voiced. For the hardliners, the leader of BR group in National Assembly has been misleading the Party. Many BR activists share this view and see the successive votes of the Party in favor of the presidential camp in the National Assembly as a grave mistake on the part of Rosine Soglo, the Party Chairwoman.

The strongest adversary of Mrs. Soglo in RB right now is Léhady Soglo who happens to be her son. While Léhady Soglo and his father, the former Head of State, Nicéphore Soglo think, BR has nothing to gain in collaborating with Boni Yayi’s Government and that it should remain part of the opposition coalition of G4, G13, and Force Clé, Rosine is said not to trust the other party leaders involved in this Alliance.

The newspapers have also reported that before this BR Executive Board meeting, there was a face-to-face encounter late in the evening on Tuesday, May 12, 2009 between the Head of State, Boni Yayi and Renaissance of Benin Chairwoman, Rosine Soglo. This visit of Boni Yayi to Mrs. Soglo has been seen as an occasion for the Head of State to thank her for her support to the presidential camp in National Assembly.

The RB Executive Board meeting has been convened after Benin National Assembly finally passed on Monday, May 04, 2009, the LEPI (Voters Registry Computerization Act in French, Liste Electorale Permanente Informatisée) act opening the way for its implementation.

The passing of this draft law in National Assembly was made possible thanks to RB. The Party has sided with the ruling FCBE to vote in favor of the bill while the opposition coalition of G4, G13 and Force Clé to which belongs RB has agreed to vote against it.

Since the formation of the G4 Alliance following the March 2008 joined declaration and during the Seminar of Common Return held in October 2008, where the opposition coalition has expressed its disapproval about the way Boni Yayi has been administering public affairs, RB has never been constant in its standing.

Therefore, many analysts in media still question the ability of opposition coalition to achieve its aim that is to oust Boni Yayi in the upcoming presidential race due to take place in March 2011.

Benin Politics : MONEY INFECTS BENIN POLITICS

2009-05-15T11:58:00.001+01:00

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« Almighty Money threatens Beninese democracy»

As corruption has become a chronic illness of Benin politics with MPs defecting from one camp to another, the well-known journalist, columnist, and analyst Léo BRATHIER from the daily newspaper, L’Autre Quoditien has voiced his concerns. Here is what he has to say:

Translated by Alfred Cossi Chodaton

«Almighty Money has insidiously invaded Beninese democracy. This evil is not specific to a particular government. It is a social phenomenon. Since the start of the democratic era, in fact, it has begun to expand in such a scale that it has been pushing the boundaries of ethics. The politicians involved in political corruption, do not even seem to bother about any sense of decency to acknowledge its existence and even to try to justify it.

An attitude that an article issued by L’Autre Quotidien yesterday pointed out in the title: «Transhumance and bribe of conscience: serious ethical problems for National Assembly. » Then, as to illustrate the comments made by this article and justify what it reveals as an admission or suspicion of bribery of MP, our colleague of "Fraternité" yesterday interviewed a MP from the presidential camp over the act of the spectacular realignment of one its most truculent opponents. He, in his turn, suggested, «there are people that you can not get close to, and people you can get close to, and just give them two or three "things" and change their minds. » A reality or a feeling? For some, if they blame themselves, they know the nature of the phenomenon. He went on, responding to a question about the difficult collaboration with his former political adversary, with whom he used to play the dog and the cat, only a few months ago, to say: « Politics is a game of interest. The interest is not necessarily money ... It is the fact of having a special reason for being here or there »

Speaking about the return of his former opponent, he continued his argument: «... the day his interest will not be safeguard here, he will leave» It is clear for the voter what are the real motivations of MPs that they have elected to defend his or her interests! These interests are supposed to the ones of their constituents rather than their own. However, the MP has no obligation of accountability towards people over his materially motivated reversals, and the people do have no opportunity to sanction him other that the elections. Of course, if the voter himself, has not been bribed into voting against his own will.

Therefore, in a context where Almighty Money conditions politics, the legitimate aspirations of people, ethics that found democratic culture, are obviously forgotten. As the reality of political corruption is, as such that it causes the political institutions and citizens to consider unavoidable the effect of money and admit by cynicism or disappear no political choice will hold if it is not “bought” with money. By contagion effect, this type of corruption has even spread in all elective activities within the associations and professional corporations. We may falsely argue that we live a century marked by the death of all ideologies and the perverse and cynical realism, is the norm. Everyone does with this reality because in a poor society like ours, the fact that one does not accept it is a defection. And these societies divided between materialistic motives and traditional ethics, will judge you with the prism of this realism, generally as a failure, even if consciously it is assumed that those who do not aligned on this pseudo standard, is a « honest man». The Almighty Money has destroyed all beliefs. Moreover, the best ones will not necessarily be the most deserving ones, the most conscientious, hard-working, and honest ones. The world of the Almighty Money belongs to «the smarter one» not always in the sense of positive intelligence, but in the sense of opportunism. At the point where we are on this phenomenon, it is necessary to wonder if it is still possible that Benin democracy – that hypocritically continues to viewed as a laboratory for Africa – gets itself out of the kind of perversion of political corruption and ideological annihilation. Since the most pernicious corruption to our developing societies, is not certainly the one that has been vilified through the major scandals evoked in the media and relates to those who run public affairs or corporations. However, it is the one, which insidiously begins to become the norm in politics especially in the electoral realm and in the administration of our political national life. A democracy, where it is acceptable at all levels of society and institutions that all is buyable as vulgar goods, is not predestined to a much bright future. »

Benin Politics : NATIONAL ASSEMBLY BEREAVED

2009-05-15T11:53:00.000+01:00

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RB MP dies in car crash

Renaissance du Bénin, the Party of the former Head of State, Nicéphore Soglo, who happens to be Cotonou Mayor, is bereaved by the death of one of its MP, Paulin Tomanaga. He passed away after a car accident on last Thursday, May 07, 2009.

Alfred Cossi Chodaton
alf2chod@yahoo.fr

Paulin Tomanaga, died on Thursday evening at Cotonou National University Health Centre (CNHU), following a road accident, which occurred, on his way to his hometown, Abomey city, in the central region of the country. Therefore, Benin National Assembly is once again grieving.

According to reports, the MP left Cotonou around 1 P.M. for Bohicon. However, he will never reach his destination. Up to Hinvi neighborhood, the MP’s vehicle went under a parked jumbo jet. Tomanaga's driver died on the spot as the car collided violently with the truck about 60 km north of Cotonou.

Lately, Tomanaga, 73 years old, was Tuesday appointed second reporter of National Assembly’s Education Committee by his colleagues to represent the institution at the High Court of Justice.

At the residence of Paulin Tomanage, people were consternated. Just in a short time, nearly the whole Municipal Council of Bohicon was present at his house to inform and support the family of the dead.

Some BR members called by phone could not express their emotion, as their pain was obviously overwhelming. The same goes for some MPs who could not believe what they were hearing.

It should be remembered that before being elected as a member of parliament, Paulin Tomanage was Bohicon Mayor. He is a devoted Christian Catholic, married and father to four boys. He was also the Parish Church of Saint Charles Louanga Board’s Chairman in his hometown. The name of his substitute is Wohou Donatien, currently member of Bohicon Municipal Council.

Benin Politics : MP GBADAMASSI BACK FROM PARIS

2009-05-15T11:49:00.000+01:00

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Gbadamissi explains why he resigned

Since he made public his resignation from G13 Alliance and his alignment to the presidential camp during a press conference on Tuesday, April 21, 2009 in Parakou, MP Rachidi Gbadamassi, who used be an adversary of President Boni Yayi, has be outside the country. On his arrival from Paris, on Sunday, May 10, 2009, he made a statement confirming his new entente with Boni Yayi’s camp.

Alfred Cossi Chodaton
alf2chod@yahoo.fr

At the Cadjéhoun airport, where his show attracted many, he made a statement aiming at explaining to the public the real motives behind his defection. To him, by joining the presidential camp and defecting from G13 Alliance, he has chosen to side with the people. He went on to warn his former allies. Here is what he had to say:

«Let me, before anything; thank the newspapers, because you contribute to the entrenchment of democracy. I thank all those who spoke either in a positive way or in a negative one. This is about the stake of democracy’s vitality in Benin. As a democrat, I can only agree with the vibrancy of Benin democracy. In a democratic State, none can prevent others from saying what they think. Today, I intend to make a declaration and not a press conference. The press conference will be on the ground in the eighth constituency. Then, we will see who is who. For the meantime, I can assure you the playtime has come to an end. The time has come for truth to come out. The time of reconciliation with the people has come. The time for Benin harmonious development has come. The time for reconciliation with our conscience has come. There is not more unworthy and more despicable man than someone that does things and refuses to take responsibility for them, especially when these acts are in the interest of the people. Is not there a local maxim that says: “while you do not know where you are going, at least you know where you have come from?” I did things and I take responsibility for them. I am not someone who runs away from his responsibilities. My friends know me. The man, who cannot die, cannot live. I am a man of character and that is why I address you, dear people of the 8th that gave me the mandate to represent you in National Assembly. Who am I not to listen to the voice of the people? Who am I not to hear the voice of my electorate? Who am I not to listen to the dignitaries and religious denominations? When you enjoy such a popular support among the people, there are things that you cannot afford to do. One does not play with the people’s interests. Who am I to go against the will of the people of Dassa, Malanville, Cotonou? Who am I not to answer the voice of conscience? One must be guided by common sense. It would not be possible for me to have a morality different from the one of my constituents. It is true. I had to choose between my friends and my constituents. I preferred the latter. I offer my apologies. I could not do otherwise. The circumstances have led me to decide in favor of voters. The degree of the politician is the people. If the people leave him, he has no more political future. If my friends do not understand my choice, may they forgiven me! I found myself in the same position as the General Kérékou at the National Conference. He followed the will of the people and rejected his political friends. History finally proves him right. I hope they join me soon. As for you, my dear brother and friend, MP Issa Salifou, for all that you gave, I have been awaiting you on the other side. The bank that must be yours. We must free ourselves from the politicians who manipulate us against the will of the people. I prayed and asked God. If I am wrong by going to Dr. Yayi Boni, may God give all the strengths to Saley to get me back! If not, I brought the G13 to development. The past misunderstandings with the Government are the result of a lack of dialogue. I know you are a believer and you are aware of the power of Allah. For my yesterday’s friends, the only dominant philosophy is the change of driver. However, who will replace the current valid driver. Will the replacement be better or worse? They had no answer to all these concerns. It is change or nothing else, even if the boat, Benin would capsize. I am not a deluge maker. I am a true nationalist and panafricanist. I am politically stable. That is what pushed me to the resignation from G13. One knows when it all starts, but never when it might end up.

And you, President Boni Yayi, you are the father of the nation. I was with General Kérékou, who after a very heated debate, asked me to support you. I have decided, after a profound thinking, to act in accordance with the wise advice of this great man and stop my political guerilla warfare against you. I will support your actions in favor of the country’s development, reveal what might be wrong, and make the appropriate proposals. My only advice to you is to focus on political and social dialogue. Tonight, I take responsibility for my views and I support your good works in favor of the country’s development and the achievement of peaceful democracy. I ask my friends not to use verbal attacks and manipulation of media against me, so that I do not have to respond scathingly. They know me and I know them. I am an independent or related to a political party. In the days to come, if they dismiss me from the party, I will appraise this new situation. In these circumstances, I will make a detailed assessment of the Government initiatives and perform my constitutional duties with conscience. Talking about transhumance while referring to my case would be an abuse of language and unfamiliarity with the word transhumance. Finally, I simply ask everybody to retain this: Gbadamassi did not resign for selfish and individualist ends »

Benin Politics : MARCH 2011 PRESIDENTIAL ELECTIONS

2009-05-08T10:14:00.000+01:00

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Prospect for Bio Tchané’s candidacy more likely than ever

During his short trip in Benin, Bio Tchané has let hints appear both in his address and in gestures which might suggest he would definitely be a contender in March 2011 presidential race.

Alfred Cossi Chodaton
alf2chod@yahoo.fr

For a while, there has been a lot rumors coming out about his possible candidacy. Moreover, many opposition politicians have voiced their support to this possible candidature.

Of course, so far he himself has never expressed publically any opinion about his alleged willingness in taking part in the race. However, it was before he came in Cotonou on a short trip. On the sidelines of the signing of a loan agreement for the funding of the road line which links Djougou and Ouaké, Abdoulaye Bio Tchané, President of West African Development Bank (BOAD) held a press conference alongside, the WAEMU Global Economic Crisis Committee Chairman, Soumaïla Cissé at Ibis Hotel in Cotonou.

Answering the questions of the journalists about his alleged willingness to be a contender in March 2011 presidential race, Bio Tchané said, « I am aware that this issue is a concern to many of our compatriots in the country. However, elections are still two years ahead and I am a citizen like everyone else. May God allow us to live until then! »

Such a statement can be seen as a sign that the prospect for Bio Tchané’s candidacy is more likely than ever before. Bio Tchané means he, as a citizen of Benin, does not rule out the possibility of being a candidate.

Apart from this clue in his speech, one should not fail to mention the noticeable presence of some politicians who have been urging him to respond positively to the call of the citizens on him to be a candidate in March 2011 presidential race. One could refer to MP, Zoumarou Wallis, one the strongest adversaries of Boni Yayi. Last weekend on a television channel, Zoumarou Wallis once again pointed out the irreversibility of Bio Tchané’s candidacy. Former MP, Assane Seibou also attended the press conference and confirmed this candidacy when questioned by journalist. The former Minister Boubacar Arouna was also present.

After the press conference, Bio Tchané went on to an outlet located behind the National Health Training Center (CNHU), commonly called "Morgue", pretending he had been there to get some newspapers to find out about the news. Everyone knows that this is a political microcosm, which is the proper place where he could gauge his popularity. In fact, the area always booms with folk of drivers of taxi-motorbikes from all political sides gathering all the time to talk about politics. It is clear that he went there to appreciate the pulse prevailing and appraise the admiration he enjoys with this social group.

The West African Development Bank, which Bio Tchané heads as Boni Yayi’s successor, has granted Benin a USD16-million loan for the construction of the road linking Djougou-Ouaké to the country's border with Togo, according to official sources. This road construction will help open up the north-central part of the country and increase trade between Benin and its neighbors in the sub-region.

This loan might also be seen as one more sign indicating Bio Tchané is willing to respond positively to people’s call. Djougou is his hometown and as such, a prospect for him to be a candidate cannot be credible unless he gets the support of his hometown. Hence, he must use his position to get their backing. It is what he seems to be doing right now.

In early February 2009, Bio Tchané made a short trip to Djougou. It was a trip, which had been seen in the media as a test to gauge his popularity with the people of his hometown. The test at the time turned to be a success because the population was reported to have gathered along the way as his convoy passed throughout the city. At the great mosque of the city, he met the elders and the local dignitaries before holding a meeting with the municipal council, which counts on him for the development of Djougou.

Bio Tchané is also said to have the backing of both G13 Alliance, which is among the opposition forces at work for a change in Government in 2011 and the former Head of State, Mathieu Kérékou who is still an influential figure on Benin political scene.

Benin Politics : BENIN-WADB

2009-05-08T10:11:00.000+01:00

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West African Development Bank grants Benin loan to build roads

The West African Development Bank has granted Benin a USD16-million loan toward the construction of the road linking Djougou-Ouaké to the country's border with Togo, official sources told PANA here Wednesday.

PANA

Jointly financed by the Regional Integration Fund (FAIR) and the West African Economic and Monetary Union (UEMOA), the project will help open up the north-central part of the country and increase trade between Benin and its neighbors in the sub-region.

The loan is fallout of the bank's 2009-2013 strategic plan, which aims to increase its investments in energy, road, and ports, among others, as well as improve economic integration in the sub-region.

With the latest loan, the bank's investments in Benin has reach CFA F 36.9b (US$ 73 million) over seven years.

Benin Politics : VOTERS REGISTRY COMPUTERIZATION

2009-05-08T10:09:00.001+01:00

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Boni Yayi has finally won the battle

With the entire political arena, bracing itself for the next presidential elections due to take place in March 2011, LEPI act has become an important battleground where the opposition coalition and the ruling FCBE has fought each other to control the outcome of its examination in National Assembly. In end, it is the presidential camp, which has now been claiming victory, since Monday, May 04, 2009, when it was passed.

Alfred Cossi Chodaton
alf2chod@yahoo.fr

National Assembly passed LEPI draft law by a majority vote of 64 to 00 with 01 abstention. It is a derogative law on the implementation of a permanent computerized voters registry made up of 68 articles divided in 05 chapters.

The debates were punctilious. The vote was made possible after extended discussions during which sensitive issues have been pointed out and discussed. It is foremost the subject relating to litigation in light of Benin institutions’ past failures to resolve the post electoral disputes which have erupted recently and of other cases in which their deficiencies were glaring. Opposition MPs have referred to the cases of disputes, which are still pending as well as to those previously settled and that have all the times been in favor of the Government.

In this regard, the opposition MPs have proposed that the courts of first instance are entitled to deal with any litigious case arising from the LEPI implementation. However, the President of the Law Committee rejected this approach and preferred reference to be made to the Constitutional Court.

The examination of this of law has also revealed the contradictions, which are still weakening the opposition coalition of G4, G13 and Force Clé as, for this vote, each opposition party, acted in accordance with its individual interests. RB, which is the author of one of the proposed draft laws through MP Epiphane Quenum, could not contradict itself and voted for this law. PRD MPs apparently could not reach a consensus within its own ranks. Therefore, some of its members had to leave the chamber without voting.

Therefore, the malaise within the opposition coalition seems to be getting deeper and deeper and it is likely that its cohesion will be shattered before the presidential race scheduled to take place in March 2011. If this trend does not reverse, it will diminish considerably the chance of this opposition of seizing power after these elections.

LEPI act has become something inevitable as the most of previous elections held in Benin have been marked by post electoral disputes. Moreover, the next presidential elections have been raising a lot of apprehension due to the obsession of the entire political arena with it despite the fact that it is still two years ahead.

Benin Politics : VOTERS REGISTERY COMPUTERIZATION

2009-05-08T10:02:00.000+01:00

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National Assembly has passed LEPI draft law

Benin National Assembly finally passed on Monday, May 04, 2009, the LEPI (Voters Registry Computerization Act in French, Liste Electorale Permanente Informatisée) act opening the way for its implementation.

Alfred Cossi Chodaton
alf2chod@yahoo.fr

In fact, this law, which was passed by National Assembly at Palais des Gouverneurs in Porto-Novo, is two-folded. The first is LEPI and the second one, RENA. While LEPI is about the Computerization of Voters Registry, RENA is related to the National Electoral Census. The law was passed article by article.

However, the discussions were quite divisive. The opposition coalition was divided over the issue as RB rallied behind the ruling FCBE to back the passing of the act and the other opposition parties attempted to block the vote by asking for suspensions.

It was the PRD MP, Augustin Ahouanvoébla, who requested a suspension to allow more consultation among the Parliamentarians. The Speaker of National Assembly, Mathurin Nago, submitted his request to vote. His request was rejected by a majority of 44 votes opposed to the suspension against 32 in favor of it. This majority was made possible by the backing of RB.

Shortly after, MP Timothy Gbédiga who belongs to the same parliamentary group asked for a suspension again. However, his request was also rejected the same way as the request of his peer. Therefore, National Assembly went ahead to vote the law. The most heated debate started when it came to deciding which body should take responsibility for LEPI implementation.

This vote can be seen as a major achievement for the presidential camp, which hopes that the implementation of LEPI would insure a clear victory to Boni Yayi in next presidential race scheduled to take place in March 2011. On the contrary, the attitude of RB MPs raises more doubt about the ability of the opposition coalition really to be a united front.

As all the previous elections held in Benin have been marked by post electoral disputes, the entire political scene has come to be aware of the need for computerization of voters’ registry. Nevertheless, the vote of LEPI act has been delayed because both the opposition coalition of G4, G13 and Force Clé and the ruling FCBE and its allies have been striving to dominate National Assembly and control the outcome of its examination. This is one of reasons why so many defections from one party or parliamentary group to another have been recorded lately, plunging National Assembly into crisis.

Anyway, it has finally come to be passed. There must be now among the ordinary people a sense of relief as this law can help assure a free and fair election and preserve peace in the country.

Benin Politics : SPLIT IN THE PRESIDENTIAL CAMP

2009-05-08T09:38:00.000+01:00

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A new parliamentary group is to be set up

Last Thursday, April 30, 2009 when National Assembly met for the examination on the draft law regarding the Voters Registry Computerization Project (in French, Liste Electorale Permanente Informatisée) was marked by series of resignations from the ruling FCBE.

Alfred Cossi Chodaton
alf2chod@yahoo.fr

The news came out as a big surprise to everybody. some FCBE MPs Edgar Alias, Adam Boni Tessy, Da Matha Sant’Anna Luc André Dassoundo, Seidou Adambi, and Janvier Yahouédéou resigned from their initial parliamentary group, Bénin Emergent Gouvernance Concertée where all the MPs belonging to presidential majority were united. Of course, Benin politics is used this kind of defection from one party or parliamentary group to another. This ongoing trend in Benin National Assembly has mainly been due to the attempts on both camps, the opposition coalition of G13, G4, and Force Clé and the presidential camp to get the majority by wooing the PMs of the advert coalition into defecting.

These latest defections came after a number of resignation. Wallis Zoumarou defected from the ruling FCBE to join the opposition Alliance G13 in November 2008. Isidore Gnonlonfoun defected from the PRD which is an opposition Party to the presidential camp in December 2008. Chabi Tokou Dari defected from the ruling FCBE to the opposition Alliance G13 in the early April 2009. And, Rachidi Gbadamassi defected from G13 Alliance to the presidential camp in the late April 2009.

However, what is the most confusing aspect of this development is the fact that the defectors who intend to form another parliamentary group named FBCE, declare they are still willing to back Boni Yayi’s Government. In order to be able to form a new parliamentary group, these MPs were joined by other MPs either from the opposition Alliance or from allied parties to the ruling FCBE. Therefore, the new parliamentary group is made up of Edgar Alia who heads it, Eloi Aho, Boni Tessi Adam, Zoumarou Walis, Da Matha Sant’Anna Luc, Dassoundo André, Gnonlonfoun Isidore, Seidou Samou Adambi, and Yahouédéou Janvier.

FCBE parliamentarians such as Yahouédéou Janvier and Da Matha Sant’Anna Luc have expressed at some occasions their disappointment over the way the country has been governed.

Nevertheless, these defections do not help anyone apprehend further, what is going on because despite their resignation from their initial parliamentary group, the dissident MPs in their statement reaffirm their support to the Head of State.
There have been many interpretations about this collective resignation. Some analysts see this as a way of signalling their frustrations over some issues among which is the attempt to poach opposition MPs in order to have a strong majority and control the vote of the LEPI draft law in National Assembly. As well as the opposition, the ruling FCBE and its allies hope to win the majority and dictate their wishes in the vote of the LEPI act. One of the most divisive aspects of this law is the choice and the composition of the institutions, which should head the process of LEPI implementation. The presidential camp intends to give the Head of State the upper hand in the appointment of the members of these important institutions.

However, in his speech delivered at the UNDP convention on Saturday, February 21, 2009, in Bohicon, Janvier Yahouédéou has expressed concerns about the approach of the President Boni Yayi over the LEPI implementation. Therefore, the formation of this new parliamentary group might be attempt to avoid the total control of the Government over LEPI because if the ruling FCBE were to have the majority in National Assembly, it would make possible for Boni Yayi to have a tight control over the LEPI implementation. By staging their defections, these MPs may hope to reduce Boni Yayi’s grip on the Parliament and therefore his control over the outcome of LEPI.

Another contentious issue, which might have triggered this series of resignation, is the defection of MP Rachidi Gbadamassi who is allegedly said to have been bribed with a lot of amount of cash into defecting the G13. There have been all sorts of rumours. Some alleged that Gbadamassi had received in exchange of his defection form the G13 Alliance about 2 billion FCFA.

It is likely that these MPs see this defection as a dangerous development which raises doubt about the credibility of Benin democracy. For these PMs, the desperate eagerness of the Head of State and his lieutenants to control the outcome of the LEPI examination causes them to use all unethical means to achieve their aims.

According to media sources, the Head of State in an attempt to diffuse the tension met the MPs of his camp on Thursday, April 30, 2009 at Presidency Palace trying to persuade them that he had never been involved in the Gbadamassi case. Nevertheless, the event at the National Assembly indicates he did not succeed in convincing them.

Anyway, the Speaker of National Assembly refused to formalize the birth of this group arguing some of its members are yet to resign from their initial group.

Lately, it is reported that the MP Adam Boni Tessy has withdrawn from the group stating that the decision of his resignation was taken in haste without throughout consideration of its implications. However, the other MPs are still determined to go ahead with their plan.

Benin Politics : VOTERS REGISTRY COMPUTERIZATION

2009-04-30T11:38:00.000+01:00

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National Assembly to pass LEPI draft law

After a long delay due the successive postponements, on Wednesday, April 30, 2009 National Assembly is due to start its examination on the draft laws regarding the Voters Registry Computerization Project (in French Liste Electorale Informatisée Permanente : LEPI).

Alfred Cossi Chodaton
alf2chod@yahoo.fr

There are two draft laws, which have to be examined by the Parliament tomorrow. The first one is related to RENA (in French Recensement Electoral National Approfondi), which is the National Electoral Census. It is the second draft law that is about LEPI.

There have also been two proposed bills, each one, providing respectively the framework for both RENA and LEPI to become effective. MPs Karim Chabi Sika and Epiphanius Quenum are the ones that have proposed these two bills.

The Law, Administration, and Human Right Committee of the National Assembly in its report has produced a draft law, which is the result of a combined examination on the initial bills put forward to the Speaker by MPs Karim Chabi Sika and that of Epiphanius Quenum. However, the Committee also takes into account the observations of independent experts. It is a draft law made up of sixty-six (66) articles organized into five (05) Chapters.

On Monday, April 29, 2009, National Assembly took a first major step towards the implementation of the draft law over the Voters Registry Computerization Project (in French Liste Electorale Informatisée Permanente) by passing by vote the draft law about personal data protection.

However, since the vote of LEPI act has proven to be a very sensitive issue. The presidential camp as well as the opposition coalition of G4, G13, and Force Clé intends to control the vote of the draft laws on LEPI. For each camp, the LEPI act will determine the outcome of the next presidential elections scheduled to take place in March 2011. Therefore, both sides have been striving very hard to get the majority in the National Assembly.

Because of this situation, many analysts still doubt the willingness of the Parliamentarians to go ahead with LEPI. Though both sides have expressed all the times their commitment to walk towards to the effective implementation of LEPI, nothing had been done by the National Assembly for it to become real, until the Civil Society staged a demonstration in front of Palais des Gouverneurs in Porto-Novo to put pressure on the Parliamentarians.

Moreover, some MPs mostly of the opposition coalition have still been voicing their skepticism about the possibility of organizing the March 2011 presidential elections with LEPI. They say they are in favor of its implementation but, according to them, the March 2011 presidential race can be conditioned by the effectiveness. They suspect the Government might intend to do so.

Anyway, Civil Society and the citizens should keep up putting pressure on National Assembly urging the Parliamentarians to see LEPI as a priority and be ready for concessions on both sides in order to give peace a chance.

Benin Politics : AFRICAN RICE

2009-04-30T11:25:00.000+01:00

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Africa launches project to improve rice production

The Benin Republic-based African Rice Centre (WARDA) has launched a project aimed at improving rice production in sub-Saharan Africa.

Source: Pana

The project, initiated in collaboration with Japan, will strengthen WARDA's plan to boost rice production by 2010 and beyond through improved access by farmers to quality seeds in 20 sub-Saharan African countries, in a bid to reduce rice imports and avoid costly food aid operations.

The project, launched on Monday, plans to produce in each country certified and registered seeds of the improved variety, including NERICA, while establishing sustained links between the public and private sectors.

WARDA said rice was especially targeted given that, together with wheat, it is one of the main crops for which demand is much higher than supply at the local level.

Sub-Saharan rice imports in 2006 were estimated at about 9 millions tons worth US$2 billion.

At current prices, imports will cost over US$5 billion.

World rice stocks have been lower than ever since 1983/1984, and African countries can no longer rely on the Asian market to meet the needs of their growing population, the centre said.

Benin Politics :181st SESSION OF UNESCO

2009-04-30T11:14:00.000+01:00

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President Boni Yayi urges for more solidarity

President Boni Yayi makes an appeal to UNESCO’s Executive Board for education in developing countries. Thomas Boni Yayi, President of the Republic of Benin, asked on April 21, 2009 that the International Community “not risk jeopardizing the future of education in the less privileged countries due to the crisis.” The President of Benin was addressing the 181st session of UNESCO’s Executive Board, meeting in Paris until 30 April.

Source: UNESCO’s Bureau of Public Information

Greeting President Boni Yayi, the Chairman of the Executive Board, Ambassador of Benin Olabiyi Babalola Joseph Yaï, hailed him as someone “who personifies Africa on the move, dreaming Africa, hoping Africa, changing Africa, winning Africa.”

For his part, Koïchiro Matsuura, the Director-General of UNESCO, welcomed “this message of determination and mobilization” presented to the international community, declaring that “this vibrant plea on behalf of education, health and the fight against poverty in Africa is a commitment that remains our own.” Citing his open letter to G20 members, Mr. Matsuura added, “If we want the countries most affected by the crisis to reconnect with growth and sustainable development, we must today invest in social sectors, notably education.”

In his speech to the Executive Board, Dr Boni Yayi stressed the impact of the current crisis. “Despite having protected its banking and financial system by prudent and virtuous regulation, Africa is already one of the main victims economically and socially.” The President listed the first negative consequences for the continent: “The drop in prices for agricultural raw materials further aggravates the fragility and vulnerability of African economies. It increases our State budgets’ need for funding.”

He underlined the threat represented by the crisis to the large African diaspora in industrialized countries, communities who face becoming “the first victims of job eliminations caused by the drastic decline of the world economy. The result will be a substantial decrease of funds sent home by migrants to African countries, which must also expect a decrease of both direct foreign investment and government aid to development.”
According to President Boni Yayi, the combined effects of these destabilizing factors could “annihilate the economic recovery efforts pledged by African leaders, who furthermore must deal with the energy crisis and the food crisis.” Given this situation, the African community must “deepen economic reforms in order to build in true solidarity the foundations of a stronger and more diversified continental economy, less vulnerable to external upheavals.”

Human wealth is the most valuable, said Dr Boni Yayi, underlining that “Africa must meet, through massive investment, the major challenges of education and training, the acquisition of science and technological innovation.” He mentioned action taken by Benin to this end, notably establishing free access to primary school in 2006-2007. He also called on the partners of the Education for All Fast Track Initiative, as well as the international community, to strengthen their financial support of the program: “The world must not risk jeopardizing the future of education in the less privileged countries due to the crisis, while the investment efforts of African and other governments must be vigorously maintained in order to implement educational policies promoting quality and free access to education for girls and boys.”

President Boni Yayi conluded: “What African governments expect from the international community is an unconditional pledge to support our ideals of justice, solidarity, and peace. But a call for solidarity, notably during a crisis, makes sense only when it is coupled with a call for vigilance and responsibility. That is why African states must clean up their public finances and the macroeconomic context, fight resolutely against all forms of corruption, and conduct the required structural and institutional reforms, based on our traditional values of solidarity and sharing, and taking into account the demands of globalization.”

Benin Politics : POLITICAL DEFECTION

2009-04-30T11:07:00.000+01:00

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«Rachidi Gbadamassi: Okay and, but what next? »

As one of the most prominent opposition members, MP Rachidi Gbadamassi and his defection from G13 Alliance, made public by himself at a press conference on Tuesday, April 21, 2009 in Parakou, have still been dominating the local news, the well-known columnist, historian and journalism Jérôme Carlos in his chronicle on Friday, April 24, 2009 made analysis on the event. Here is what he had to say:

Source: Jérôme Carlos' chronicle on April 24, 2009
Translated by Alfred Cossi Chodaton

«It should not be handled thoughtlessly the Rachidi Gbadamassi case. While we should be quick to acknowledge that, apart from the stature of the man who is a heavyweight category, literally and figuratively, his case is nothing extraordinary. This is not the first time the national political realm has recorded cases of defection. A tradition, over the years, has been established. Image rather frequent and familiar of people who turn the other way round, burn surprising with aplomb what they have worked hard so far to defend and worship. What is ordinary no longer surprises, no longer shocks. This behavior in politics, at least, deviant with regard to morality and ethics, we tolerate it, we encourage it by our indifference, our silence or our complacency. Why to make all this fuss about Rachidi Gbadamassi's transfer to the green pastures of the Emergence? Where were we and what did we have to say while others lined up, queuing on the same path?
Considering this, it is not quite fair to blame Rachidi Gbadamassi for things on which we had to close our eyes, things about which we had kept quiet, things in which we had to play our tacit complicity if not our kind collaboration.

And then, even though Rachidi Gbadamassi here is the main play actor of this bad movie, the star who made headlines in all newspapers, he could not have taken a camera to go and shoot himself all alone, in a role that he would have given to himself alone, in a scenario that he would have written all of his hand, alone. Rachidi Gbadamassi is a pawn in a game, in relation to other pieces. So let us not push our hypocrisy not see beyond Rachidi Gbadamassi. Guilty, he would not be more than the others would. Forgivable, it would not be less than others would. All sides involved in this game are guilty, according to the universal principle that “birds of a feather flock together.”

Even if we lack formal proof, we can assume it is all about bountiful cash, in this dark transaction. The figures in this regard are to give the vertigo. They certainly have given headaches to all our technical and financial partners, surprised that the poor, they help spend as much in the casino of political games rather than in development.

In any case, it would not be the first time, in Benin, money has been solicited and pumped as a super fuel to start the engine of politics. It would not be the first time that money has been called to irrigate the avid land of politics and serve as fertilizer to our entire political prowess. Since the advent of the democratic era in 1991 until now, the politics in our country has been the history of almost two decades of money given out to bribe the consciences, to swindle votes, to distort the electoral results. Whoever can deny this, may throw us the first stone.

Nevertheless, when we become aware of these deviations, which are tarnishing outrageously politics in our country, we will have to change very quickly. Because we should urgently be concerned about the example that our great actors give of themselves to our compatriots, the image that they show about themselves and that is retained in the people's consciousness; about the legacy that the seniors pass to the juniors.

If we cannot envision ourselves in such a perspective, we never will be able to form a nation that finds on the path of its historical evolution landmarks that build, references that build. If there are no ideals that help us surpass ourselves, or values that lift us up above our individual and selfish circumstances, we will never be a people. We will remain a population, otherwise a mass of individuals without identity, therefore without vision or common destination.

And then, is it not time to put money back to its right place, the one of horse ridden by the knight who can give it orders, who knows how to direct it, orient it , bend it to his will. Because at the pace things are going, we are sacrificing everything to money in a desert of values. Prostitution is pushed to its extreme limit. With men who forge a destiny of goods or men who are assigned a market value after they are listed on the Stock Exchange of all denials and all betrayals.

Finally, we must deepen the historical consciousness of our present actors. They cannot and should not look less like the architects of the future. With the need to seize all the force of the truth, which the idea of Frantz Fanon holds: “Each generation must, in relative obscurity, discover its mission, fulfill it, or betray it.”»

Benin Politics : SEISM BENIN POLITICS

2009-04-24T07:47:00.000+01:00

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MP Gbadamassi to defect from G13 Alliance

G13 Alliance MP, Rachidi Gbadamassi who is known to be a strong adversary to President Boni Yayi, has announced his resignation in a press conference on Tuesday, April 21, 2009 in Parakou.

Alfred Cossi Chodaton
alf2chod@yahoo.fr

All the local media had aired the news, which was welcomed as political seism on Tuesday. In his statement released at a press conference held to explain to the public the reasons behind his resignation, he declared he had not belonged any more to G13 that he had left because of disagreement over mainly the blockade of the National Assembly.

Gbadamassi's reasons for his defection

According to him, the current political situation in Benin marked by a parliamentary crisis has been all the times a source of disagreement between his allies and him, inside G13 Alliance. It is this situation, which might have triggered his departure from the Alliance.

The day after the announcement of his defection from G13, Rachidi Gbadamassi interviewed by phone on a local radio, Océan FM, confirmed his resignation but pointed out that he had not joined the ruling FCBE. «I am not a FCBE member…but I do not hold any more, the same political views as G13. Since G13 aims at hindering the normal functioning of the State institutions, the functioning of the State as well as preventing the Head of State from implementing his agenda in favor of the populations, I will not be part of it. » he said. « I will not be accountable for the political instability, which might result from this situation. I am in favor a constructive opposition but not a destructive one. That is the problem. However, I do not agree either with the ruling FCBE over its ideals »

Allegations of bribes

Another G13 member, Modeste Kérékou, son of the former Head of State, Mathieu Kérékou, in the local daily newspaper, Le Matinal, alleged that MP Rachidi Gbadamassi was bribed. «We have heard the camp of the Head of State, the ruling FCBE through the businessman El Hadj Daouda Lawal had promised a sum of two (02) billion FCFA to MP Rachidi Gbadamassi for defecting from G13 and joining the ruling FCBE. This was no surprise because this is a political Alliance, which makes poaching, using money. The truth is that we have been investigating this information for some time because after the great prayer, the businessman, El Hadj Daouda Lawal had staged for the Head of State at Zongo central mosque, it was said there should be a big surprise in our ranks. Thus, we find now that the poaching by money of our friend, MP Rachidi Gbadamassi is the surprise that was announced. Meanwhile, very curiously, we heard yesterday that the two personalities, the businessman in question and the MP Rachidi Gbadamassi had boarded an Air France flight bound for Paris and are both likely on their way to the United States, but after a stop in France. Some of our sources indicate they intend to meet the Head of the State himself to continue discussions over their deal and terms of transaction. This is a situation of great concern to the other G13 MPs...»

G13 Alliance in Benin politics since March 2007

G13 Alliance is made up of seven (07) small political parties, which have thirteen (13) of their members elected MPs in the National Assembly. The MP Salifou Saley, UPR (Union Pour la Relève) Chairman, is the G13 leader.

G13 Alliance was once part of the presidential majority until its members defected and joined opposition camp. Since then, G13 has been involved in opposition activities aiming at ousting the President Boni Yayi in the next presidential elections scheduled to take place in March 2011. On Wednesday, March 12, 2008, G13 made a joined declaration with G4 Alliance made up of RB, PRD, PSD, and MADEP, voicing their disapproval over the way public affairs have been handled since Boni Yayi came in office. G13 also took part actively in the Seminar of Common Political Return held in Abomey and Bohicon from 28 to 29 November 2008 marking a turning point in Benin politics and the formation the opposition coalition of G4, G13, and Force Clé.

Hence, MP, Rachidi Gbadamassi, as an active member of this G13 Alliance has never missed an occasion to utter vehemently his opposition to Boni Yayi and his Government.

Gbadamassi's difficult ascension

Before being elected MP, Rachidi Gbadamassi had been Parakou Mayor and an influential local businessman. He started his ascension under the former President Mathieu Kérékou and was elected Parakou Mayor as a UBF (Union pour le Bénin du Futur) member, a coalition that was set up to back Kérékou's Government.

However, shortly after his election as Parakou Mayor, Rachidi Gbadamassi came under severe criticisms over his alleged involvement in the Judge Séverin Coovi assassination on Sunday, November 06, 2005. In this case, He had even been subjected to a lawsuit and detained before being released because of lack of evidence. After five (05) months and five (05) days of preventive detention in Natitingou civil prison, Rachidi Gbadamassi was provisionally released on Friday, April 21, 2006. In the same vein, Parakou Municipal Council, dominated by the presidential camp, accusing him of mismanagement and wrongdoings, unseated him. An unsuccessful legal action was requested by his adversaries to invalidate his election as MP after March 2007, since he was still under prosecution.

Consequences of his defection

Gbadamassi's resignation from G13 Alliance, if confirmed would be the latest of a series of political defection in the National Assembly from one camp to another as, both the opposition coalition and the presidential coalition have been striving to get the majority in order to influence the vote of the draft law over LEPI. LEPI (in French, Liste Electorale Permanente Informatisée) is the Project of Voters Registry Computerization. LEPI has been very sensitive topic as the National Assembly is due to legislate in order to provide the legal framework for this computerization project to be implemented, therefore, it has been come an urgent priority for each camp to dictate the outcome of the parliamentary examination over the LEPI draft law. If Rachidi Gbadamassi joins the presidential camp, the governing coalition will get a narrow majority of 42 MPs against 41, which may be enough to insure an easy control of the National Assembly to Boni Yayi.

Rise of defections in Benin politics

For a while, an increasing number of defections have been recorded in the National Assembly. Before Gbadamassi, it was Tokou Chabi Daré a parliamentarian of the ruling FCBE (Cowries Forces for an Emerging Benin, in French, Forces Cauris pour un Bénin Emergent), who defected and joined G13 Alliance.

Rachidi Gbadamassi was seen at the time as the major player behind this defection since he was the one to hand over Tokou Chabi Daré's resignation letter from FCBE. Some local media have even alleged that Tokou Chabi Daré had been bribed into joining the opposition with thirty (30) million FCFA.

According to analysts, there are many more defections to come since MPs such as Quenum Epiphane and Justine Chodaton, though still formally members of the Renaissance du Bénin, are known to be openly opposed to the party line. For a while, both MPs have been reported to vote in the Chamber regardless of the issue, in accordance with the ruling FCBE stand.

This is how Sulpice Gbaguidi, the Columnist of the daily Newspaper, Fraternité, comments on Thursday, April 23, 2009, on this rise of defections: « The political jungle is in motion and all species are struggling to survive. Poaching has come to the center stage of politics and has been patronizing transhumance. The movement could intensify in the coming months. The uncertainty, caused by a presidential election whose outcomes remain unknown, is a threat to the different alliances and other gatherings. Before the unpredictable 2011 race, politics will already have unveiled its secrets and one will finally know who will remain with Boni Yayi, who will not leave the opposition coalition of G4, G13 and Force Clé and those who will wage the campaign as felons of politics»

Benin Politics : WAEMU - BENIN ECONOMY

2009-04-22T08:42:00.000+01:00

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« This global financial crisis has not affected us so severely »

In an interview with Les Afriques, issued on April 18, 2009, Benin Economy and Finance Minister, Soulé Mana Lawani, predicts though that the fall in cotton prices will affect his country.

Interview by Mamadou Lamine Diatta, Dakar
Internet Source: www.lesafriques.org

Translated by Alfred Cossi Chodaton
alf2chod@yahoo.fr

You have just participated in the 13th West Africa Economic and Monetary Union (WAEMU) Heads of State summit. How does Benin appreciate the integration process?

You know, WAEMU is a union where integration is real and this union must lead us to a better future. Of course, this organization merging eight West African countries including Benin has just been fifteen year old and its achievements will be assessed. However, meanwhile, one can say that we have gone through the food crisis, the energy crisis and global financial crisis without serious damages thanks to the notion of economic solidarity, which is a key word in our Community.
How does the economic situation of your country, Benin look like?

At macroeconomic level, we have recorded, for last year, a rise of growth rate. It is about 6.1%. Benin also has a budget of 1238 billion CFA F, otherwise, 1.890 billion Euros, a moderated inflation rate. Moreover, our State finances are doing very well.

How is Benin coping with the global financial crisis?

This global financial crisis has not affected us so severely. You know Benin is not so connected the International financial system. We have therefore been through without much troubles, this does not mean we are not going to be affected. We are apprehensive about problems concerning crops such as cotton, our main export product. It is obvious that the global demand is going to drop regarding this product. Hence, this will inevitably impact considerably the prices at a global level and therefore the quantity of cotton sold annually by Benin.

How does your country intends reduce the effects of the crisis on the populations?

Foremost, we have prepared accordingly for diversification our agricultural production so as not to rely solely upon cotton crop. In this perspective, the food crops such as rice, maize, and mainly tubers are to be promoted.

What is the priority of Benin economy presently?

The superiority, I would say, is to ensure the energy supply and the diversification of our agricultural production in order to have an industrial tissue large enough.

What are the economic perspectives for West African Sub-Region?

Generally, the sub-regional economy is doing well. This has been pointed out during WAEMU Heads of State and Government summit, which took place in Ouagadougou. WAEMU countries recorded growth rate of 3.9% against 3.6% the year before. This means that we have somehow endured the shock. This means that the eight countries of the Community have done better in copping with crisis than many other parts of the World.

Benin Politics : BENIN ECONOMY

2009-04-22T08:38:00.000+01:00

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Benin 's GDP growth likely to drop in 2009

The growth rate of Benin's Gross Domestic Product is likely to drop between 4.4% and 3.8% in 2009 while initial forecasts suggesting 6.1 %, according to official sources.

Source: PANA

The drop is the result of the impact of the international economic crisis.

According to financial experts, the international financial crisis will have adverse effects on the country's economy for four reasons -- reduction in public development aid, drop in exports (highlighted by the drop in customs revenues in February), drop in money transferred from abroad and drop in foreign direct investments (FDI).

Benin's economic growth peaked at 5% in 2008 from the 2007 figure of 4.6% and the government forecast last January a 6.1% growth for 2009.

The experts said the 2008 macroeconomic results were good.

According to a recent IMF report, published at the beginning of this month, «the Beninese economic activity kept on improving in 2008 despite adverse effects of the explosion in foodstuffs and energy products prices and of the international financial crisis. »

The actual GDP growth reached 5% (highest level since 2001) thanks to the good agricultural production, building and civil engineering works, and trade.

Inflation dwindled in the last four months of 2008 to reach an annual average of 8% after being at its peak in August 2008 following decisions by public authorities to maintain high prices for primary foodstuffs and international energy products.

Public Finances were consolidated thanks to an appreciable increase in receipts and a more rigorous management of public expenditures in the second half of 2008.

The deficit in current transactions, including donations, dropped to reach 8.3% of the GDP while it peaked at 9.9% the previous year, the financial institution said.

Benin Politics : NATIONAL ASSEMBLY

2009-04-22T08:33:00.000+01:00

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Benin National Assembly is back on track

On Friday, April 17, 2009, in Porto-Novo, at National Assembly, the first ordinary session of the year started amidst an atmosphere of suspicion and defiance.

Alfred Cossi Chodaton
alf2chod@yahoo.fr

National Assembly has resumed activities. The parliamentary Speaker in his opening address regretted the deterioration of the National Assembly’s image in the public and emphasized the need for restrain and dialogue between the both camps

Opposition MPs boycotted the opening ceremony of this first ordinary session of the year, which was scheduled to take place on Tuesday, April 14, 2009. Only twenty-two (29) MPs turned out against eighty-tree (83) MPs who constitute the National Assembly.

Opposition MPs blame the deteriorating climate on the presidential camp mainly the Speaker of the National Assembly. They alleged that the Speaker has been putting the National Assembly’s independence in jeopardy by allowing the interference of the Presidency and the Constitutional Court.

Many had been wondering whether the National Assembly would resume work after successive postponements of its scheduled meetings. The December 11, 1990 Constitution provides in its article 85 « whenever, at the opening of a session, a quorum of half plus one of members of the National Assembly is not reached, the meeting must be postponed to the third day after. Discussions are valid, whatever the quorum may be»

Therefore even if the opposition MPs did not turn out, the National Assembly would still go on to work and the presidential camp would take advantage of the situation caused by the missing opposition MPs to dictate its wishes regarding the sensitive issues which are pending on this session’s agenda.

On the agenda on this session, there are over 60 issues enrolled. Among these issues, the draft law on the Project of Voters Registry Computerization (in French Liste Electorale Permanente Informatisée: LEPI) that is a high sensitive one. It is mainly LEPI, which is the cause of the tension between both camps as the opposition and the ruling FCBE have been striving to have the majority to influence the outcome of its examination.

National Assembly Speaker also talked about the need for LEPI to be treated as a priority. Still on LEPI, the ruling FCBE issued of statement supporting Civil Society which staged a demonstration over LEPI in front of the Parliament in Porto-Novo on Tuesday, April 14, 2009, to raise public awareness and to put pressure on the MPs. In its statement, the ruling FCBE also warned the opposition against any attempt to block or delay the vote of LEPI.

However, Civil Society leaders have expressed suspicion and doubt about National Assembly’s willingness, mainly about the Speaker’s willingness to work for LEPI implementation since he has failed to meet them during their demonstration.

Lately, it has been reported that the G13 MP, Rachidi Gbadamassi defects and joins the presidential camp. According to different media sources, he would regret the blockade of the National Assembly staged by opposition coalition, during a press conference held in Parakou. He is said to have legalized a resignation letter from G13 alliance at Parakou Mayor’s office. If this is confirmed, it will be a major blow to opposition, which has been seeking a majority to dominate the Parliament. In addition, the situation will allow the presidential to dictate its wishing in the vote of the law over LEPI.

Benin politics VOTERS REGISTRY COMPUTERIZATION

2009-04-17T07:53:00.000+01:00

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Civil Society to rescue Benin Democracy

As neither the Government nor the opposition seem fully committed to the implementation of the Voters’ Registry Computerization Project, LEPI, the Civil Society staged a demonstration in front of the Parliament in Porto-Novo on Tuesday, April 14, 2009, to raise public awareness and to put pressure on the MPs.

Alfred Cossi Chodaton
alf2chod@yahoo.fr

Knowing most of the previous elections held in Benin have all the times been marked by bitter and divisive post electoral disputes, Civil Society leaders have been growing increasingly anxious about the prospect of the next presidential elections. The disputes, which erupted after the March 2008 local and communal elections, are still pending in the Supreme Court of Justice for in many areas throughout the country the elected municipal councils are yet to be installed.

Moreover, since the country is almost two (02) years ahead of the next presidential elections scheduled to take place in March 2011, the political climate has gradually been getting acrimonious and some sporadic acts of violence have even been recorded.

All the players of the political scene, the Government and the opposition, agree upon the need to computerize the Beninese electoral system, which is still manual and do not prevent the registration of children under eighteen and foreigners. However, so far they have not done anything for the implementation of this computerization. They both expressed their willingness to act for LEPI to be implemented but have not made any serious move regarding the legal framework, which needs to be put in place for the project of voters’ registry computerization to become effective.

Despite the deterioration of the atmosphere and the obvious need for the country to prevent chaos by implementing LEPI which is the only way a free and fair election can be insured, both the presidential camp and the opposition coalition made up of G4, G13 and Force Clé have been dragging their feet.

Each camp accuses the other of lacking the willingness to make LEPI effective. While the opposition alleged that the National Assembly Speaker does not want to schedule the examination of the draft law over LEPI because the presidential camp lost the majority in the Parliament, the ruling FCBE points out it is the opposition, which now has a majority, is to be blame for this deadlock.

The Civil Society, taking notice of this situation, has decided to stage a demonstration aiming at urging the parliamentarians to go ahead with the vote of the draft law over the implementation of LEPI and seeing it as a priority.

On the banners, one could read powerful messages urging the National Assembly not to procrastinate. For the Civil Society leaders tomorrow’s peace must start to be preserved today. They unanimously voiced their concern over the neglect, which the LEPI is subjected to. Due to be examined during the last extraordinary session of the National Assembly, the draft law over the project of voters registry computerization has been postponed and enrolled on the agenda of the first ordinary session which did not take place because of lack of quorum.

Furthermore, issue regarding LEPI has been recorded as the 49th subject of this session. Therefore, the Civil Society demands the project of voters’ registry computerization be seen as a priority. « Stop the dilatory maneuver, vote LEPI, » one could read on some banners.

Nevertheless, despite its pacific demonstration, Civil Society still feels as if it has not made any real impact on the attitude or the behavior of National Assembly. Civil Society leaders have been disappointed by the unavailability of the Speaker who did not turn out to get their motion of protest, nor was represented by any other PM. The demonstrators had waited for four (04) hours without meeting the National Assembly Speaker, Marthurin Nago.

Boni Yayi, since he came in office, has committed himself to making effective the computerization of the electoral system. In the process, he asked the European Commission and the United Nations Development Program to perform an assessment on the feasibleness of the computerization of the voters’ registry before the 2011 presidential elections.

The report on the assessment made by the UE and the UNDP was handed over to the Government on Wednesday, December 11, 2008. In the report, it is suggested that if the computerized voters’ registry had been to be available for the 2011 presidential race, its carrying out would have started on December 01, 2008.

During the best wishes ceremony for the 2009 New Year celebration at the Palais du Marina the President Boni Yayi while addressing the heads of the State Institutions and the members of the Civil Society, restated his commitment to implement the project. The new deadline that has been set for its start is March 2009.

Since then, two (02) proposed bills have been introduced to the Speaker of the Parliament on the same law. The first proposal has been made by the MP Karimou Chabi Sika, member of the ruling FCBE and the second, by the MP Epiphane Quenum, member of the RB which belongs to the G4 alliance.

Benin Politics : NATIONAL ASSEMBLY

2009-04-17T07:51:00.000+01:00

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Benin on the verge of a parliamentary crisis

The tension between both camps, the opposition coalition of G4, G13 and Force Clé and the ruling FCBE, caused by the precocious campaign for March 2011 presidential elections, has been worsening and degenerating into a blockade of the National Assembly.

Alfred Cossi Chodaton
alf2chod@yahoo.fr

The opposition and the presidential camp are struggling to dominate the National Assembly and mainly to influence the vote for the implementation of Voters Registry Computerization Project (in French Liste Electorale Permanant Informatisée : LEPI).since the Parliament is due to put in place the legal framework for this project to become effective.

To achieve this aim, all means have been used by each camp to persuade the MPs members of the opponent camp to defect. Therefore while the ruling FCBE seems to be wooing some opposition MPs such as Epiphane Quenum and Justine Chodaton who are both members of Renaissance du Bénin, the G4,G13 and Force Clé coalition has managed to provoke the defection of a MP, Daré Sabi Tokou from the presidential camp.

This last defection has assured a narrow majority to the opposition, which intends to use it to dictate the outcome of the vote of the draft law over LEPI.

However, after this change of majority in the Parliament, the different sessions convened have been postponed because of either the unavailability of the parliamentary secretaries or the opposition boycott. The session convened on Tuesday, April 07, 2009 could not start because of the absence of the second parliamentary secretary, Amissétou Affo Djobo. On Tuesday, April 14, 2009, the opposition MPs boycotted the opening of the first ordinary session, which was due to start
In the media, the analysts suggest since the beginning of the democratic era, the Parliament has never complied with its obligations and duties poorly as the current legislature, which is the fifth one, has been doing.

In an article issued on Thursday, April 16, 2009, in the daily newspaper, Le Matinal, Jean-Christophe Houngbo, commenting on the situation in National Assembly, argued, « In situations of this kind, it is the parliamentary diplomacy which must be activated to soften the opposition’s stand. A similar situation occurred under …Mr. Adrien Houngbedji when he headed the National Assembly in the first legislature. His report was rejected after its controversial opening of a regular session. The remarks in the report were hostile to the regime of President Nicéphore Dieudonné Soglo who had a strong majority in Parliament. However, the time to leave Maison Internationale de la Culture and come to Palais des Gouverneurs in Porto-Novo was enough to settle disputes. All provisions were really taken and the voltage dropped within a few hours. The same incident took place with Bruno Amoussou under the second legislature. Everything comes back in order thanks to a very aggressive diplomacy. Today’s legislature is a particular one. This diplomacy jealously maintained so far, has almost disappeared; confraternity has left the forum in the National Assembly; the MPs exchange insults and punches as kids. One would think that there is really no way to calm down the climate as in the past. In addition, the Speaker Mathurin Nago himself does not want to learn from the records left by his predecessors to get by. »

Benin Politics : BRUNO AMOUSSOU RELEASED HIS BOOK

2009-04-15T06:48:00.000+01:00

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«L’Afrique est mon combat»

On Saturday, April 04, 2009, the major leaders of G4, Nicéphore Soglo, Adrien Houngbédji, Séfou Fagbohoun and Bruno Amoussou were in Paris. The reason for their presence in Paris is that the former Benin National Assembly Speaker, Bruno Amoussou released his book, whose title is «L’Afrique est mon combat»

Main source: blog dedicated to the book
Translated by Alfred Cossi Chodaton
alf2chod@yahoo.fr

The French title « L’Afrique est mon combat » might be translated, as «Africa is my fight»

A ceremony attended by distinguished guests

The ceremony took place at Club Press de France, rues Jean Goujon in Paris and was attended by journalists and many Beninese and African figures. One could find among the audience Adrien Houngbédji who is also a former parliamentary Speaker, the former Head of State, Nicéphore Soglo, the MADEP honorary Chairman, Séfou Fagbohoun, and other guests such as Nouréni Tidjani Serpos, Deputy Director General of UNESCO, Africa Department, or Agossou Albert, Ambassador of Benin in France. They all praised the book of Bruno Amoussou.

The ceremony started when Saliou Akadiri, the master of ceremonies, also Pobè Mayor, requested the attention of the hundreds of people who were beginning to lose patience. He greeted and thanked the attendance mainly African personalities who were present.

The former Congolese Prime Minister, current ambassador of Congo in France, Henri Lopès, who happened to be Bruno Amoussou’s classmate received special greetings and thanks. He had the task of presenting the book of his friend Bruno Amoussou, who is a «comrade, politician and author like me, » he said. Proud to have read the manuscript, Henri Lopès emphasized truth and sincerity in this book. The long speech of Henri Lopès pulled the book from its Beninese context to give it a continental scope. The audience was all captivated and seduced by the rhetoric of Henri Lopès, who is also a writer. The exercise of his friend Bruno Amoussou, retracing his route and political commitment, reminded Henri Lopès, « has something fictional »

The atmosphere was friendly. The author’s address added to this. Neatly dressed in a traditional cloth, a white booboo, Bruno Amoussou was not only the well-known politician of Benin. He brilliantly illustrated his book and the audience was impressed.

Bruno Amoussou tells Benin history

The book is made up of two hundred pages, which narrate the history of the former French colony Dahomey and one of Africa until 1972, the year of the last military coup in Dahomey. Dahomey and Africa are the « stem characters » which Bruno Amoussou talks about in his book.

What mainly prompted Bruno Amoussou to write, «L’Afrique est mon combat» is a combination of family circumstances. May 2006, Bruno Amoussou had a stop in Montreal for his children, Gilles and Olivier, students in Canada. Olivier and Gilles straightforwardly asked the right question to their Dad who always has an overloaded timetable. «Dad, as we are lucky enough today to have you with us, tell us a bit and more about who you are, and what you did. » It was the click. Bruno Amoussou complied, narrated his story and finally decided to write about himself, about what he has seen, done and suffered.

The structure of the book is modeled on the process of memory. The first chapters are related to a family investigation: his father, Ange Marie Balovi Amoussou, catechist valiant peasant and his mother Philomène Fangnon trader and especially pearls seller, his experiences at school and university, his years of militancy, decolonization, his first years in the political arena.

Bruno Amoussou talks about all his comings and goings, his trips. He gives details about his experiences and his commitments. It is two hundred (200) pages of memories, anecdotes and revelations. He provides us with a tasty and bitter series of political facts, which are a new confirmation that the 60’s has really been hectic in Dahomey. Regarding these episodes, the historical background is well organized and the truth comes out as bubbles of oxygen. The pleasure of reading is high and each reader will make up his or her mind about the role of these years’ majors actors: Christophe Soglo, Hubert Maga, Sourou Apithy Migan, Justin Ahomadégbé, Emile Derlin Zinsou, Biokou Solomon, Edmond Dossou-Yovo, Alphonse Alley, Maurice Kouandété, Philippe Aho, Téophile Paoletti, Jean Videhouenou, Nicéphore Soglo, Moïse Mensah, Albert Tevoédjrè, Expédit Viho, Adrien Degbey, Marius Akuesson and the author himself, Bruno Amoussou.

However, Bruno Amoussou falls short of talking about the years marked by the military regime of Mathieu Kérékou and Benin history beginning from the National Conference of Active Forces in 1990, which is the starting point of Beninese democratic era. The author neither mentions his influential role under the two terms of Mathieu Kérékou from 1996 to 2006.

Bruno Amoussou’s biography

Born in 1939, engineer in agronomy, Bruno Amoussou was the son of a peasant. Brilliant student, he was quickly noticed and continued his studies in Porto Novo, capital of Dahomey, then at the National Institute of Agronomy in the 1960’s, decade of decolonization in Black Africa.

This period marked his entry into politics. Modest first, he became the Association of Dahomey Students’ President in 1962. Therefore, he met African figures such as Kwame N’Krumah, the Algerian leader Ahmed Ben Bella, on different occasions, which pushed him gradually towards the front of the stage.

Current leader of Benin Social Democratic Party (PSD), Bruno Amoussou was Benin National Assembly Speaker from 1995 to 1999, then Planning and Development State Minister in Mathieu Kérékou’s government until 2005. Candidate in the last three presidential elections, he is an influential player on the political scene in Benin and Africa.

After the March 2006 presidential elections which he lost, Bruno Amoussou and his Party has now belonged since March 2008 to the opposition coalition G4 that intends to oust Boni Yayi in 2011.

Benin Politics : THIRD ANNIVERSARY OF YAYI'S INAUGURATION

2009-04-10T09:06:00.000+01:00

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Controversial assessment of a three-year rule

April 06, 2009 has marked the third anniversary of Boni Yayi's inauguration as the third Benin Head of State since the advent of democratic era in 1990 and the celebration was an occasion for the presidential camp to assess its three-year rule.

The MPs of the ruling FCBE and the whole Government were convened to a conference at Palais du Congrès in Cotonou on Sunday, April 05, 2009 where mainly the Prospective and Public Action Minister, Pascal Iréné Koukpaki made a briefing over the state of Benin economy, the achievements and its future prospective.

In the report that Mr. Koukpaki read to the audience, he emphasized the Government's efforts on services, logistics, trade and transports, cotton textile, food agriculture, infrastructure, culture, tourism and arts. Each of these areas has benefited from the Government's efforts. Over seventy (70) billion of FCFA has been invested in road construction with the results as building of major infrastructures including the road lines Godomey-Calavi, Kétou-Ilara and crossings. Three (03) billion and one (01) billion FCFA, respectively, were allocated to arts and Aid Fund to culture. On social front, over five (05) billion FCFA has funded micro-loans and employment.

Efforts were also made in the area of security, diplomacy, education. In terms of total revenue within three (03) years, over two hundred (200) billion FCFA of growth were recorded, of which one third is devoted to salary costs. Nevertheless, this situation should be moderate this year because the estimated revenue will be down by fifteen percent (15%). Despite this, the potential for development of the country remains preserved and the Head of State holds the reins, reassured Pascal Iréné Koupaki.

However, not everybody agrees on that positive assessment of Boni Yayi's three-year rule. The opposition coalition made up of G4, G13, and Force Clé and critics in the media do not hold the same view as the ruling camp about the first three years of Boni Yayi's term in office.

According to the opposition, all the decisions, which the Government carries out, are implemented precipitously without due preparation, planning, and careful oversight of the executed actions. It is the same criticism, which is voiced over all the main issues regarding the administration of public affairs. Whether it is about education, healthcare, security, micro finance, macro economy, Government relations with the other intuitions mainly with the National Assembly and with the opposition, the different initiatives are taken in haste. This does finally more damage than good.

In a letter, whose title is «The major lies of Boni Yayi and his government» issued by Benin Communist Party on April 02, 2009, the leader of this political party, which is not represented in the Parliament, accused Boni Yayi's Government of manipulating and misleading the people.

For the Communist Party of Benin, «the measure of abolition of school fees was made before the arrival of Boni Yayi. It all started at the beginning of 1993-1994 by the removal, on foreign pressure, of school fees for girls in rural areas. The measure was subsequently extended to boys, always in rural areas and then from 2000-2001 to all school-aged children, regardless of gender and area of residence. Any agitation, on the part of, Boni Yayi and his political family in this matter is an awkward lie and a notorious trickery»

The letter also regrets the Government policy about education program, healthcare system, loans to finance the construction of major infrastructures, the management of State finances, the management of revenues from customs escort, the management of State owned public enterprises, traditional rule and concludes by arguing that the promised change is yet to be delivered.

In his column issued on April 08, 2009, the well-known columnist, journalist, and historian, Jérôme CARLOS questioned the meaning of this promised change: « How worthy is free schooling if it serves to promote problematic citizens? What will the fate of the most efficient infrastructures be if there is nobody to care for them as responsible citizen? A balance sheet is quantitative. The change assessment is qualitative. That is all the difference. » To him, «…change is less the sum of the accumulative quantity of what one has achieved than the efforts of one another to change ourselves and make ourselves able to change our country. »

Alfred Cossi Chodaton
alf2chod@yahoo.fr

Benin Politics : EXAMINATION OF DRAFT LAWS ON OMBUDSMAN AND HAAC

2009-04-10T08:50:00.000+01:00

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Missing second parliamentary secretary blocks

The session convened yesterday to discuss draft law establishing Government Ombudsman and draft amendments to the articles 11, 16, 18 and 35 of the Organic Act on the High Authority of Audiovisual and Communication (HAAC) could not start. The official reason put forward by the Speaker of National Assembly is the absence of the second parliamentary secretary, Amissétou Affo Djobo. For the opposition PMs, it is nothing but a political machination.

Political maneuvers have certainly triumphed over the need for the plenary to be held last Tuesday at Palais des Gouverneurs in Porto-Novo. The noticeable absence of the second parliamentary secretary, Amissétou Affo Djobo is the cause of this blockade. The Speaker of National Assembly had once again to announce a further postponement of the second session that has enrolled in its agenda, inter alia, the draft law establishing the Ombudsman, and the draft law amending articles 11, 16, 18, and 35 of the Organic Act on the HAAC. The importance of these laws explains what is at stake in this examination. The latest upheavals in parliament came to add to the climate of suspicion between both camps. Opposition PMs, with their newly gained majority are eager to start the scheduled examination on this legislation to bring forth their wishes. While the presidential camp, more prudent, seems to be dragging its feet in order to have time to see clearly in the new situation created by the last recorded defection in their camp. This is how the opposition explains the successive adjournments of this meeting, which have recently been occurring in the Parliament.

Indeed, according to the provisions of the Parliament Regulatory Statute, no meeting can be held without the presence of at least a parliamentary secretary. However, the first parliamentary secretary, Joachim Dahissiho was known to be unwell for some time. He even put forward a letter to Parliament to inform the plenary of his absence from the chamber. His correspondence was read to the plenary a few days ago. Moreover, he would have even provided to the Speaker a certificate proving his state of health. It was therefore logical that the second secretary makes herself available for the session not to be blocked. Nevertheless, she had not turned out knowing that the first secretary is absent. It is only around 4 p.m. that the Speaker had made its entry into the chamber to announce the meeting should not be held because the second parliamentary secretary was sick. «For unavailability of the second secretary, the plenary was postponed to Thursday, » said the Speaker Nago to the PMs. As it should be expected, this drew strong reactions. According to the opposition, the second parliamentary secretary voluntarily did not turn out since the day before she was at Palais des Congrès to celebrate the Government's third anniversary. Even assuming that she is actually sick, they wonder when the Speaker was aware of this to announce it to the MPs at 4 p.m., while he himself has been present since 10 a.m. The conclusion was quick to be drawn. «The Speaker is haunted by the loss of the majority, » said an opposition PM who explains that «the blurred game of the presidential camp is not to examine the draft on HAAC to allow the appointment of its members on the basis of the former law granting three (03) seats to the Head of State and three (03) to the Executive Board of the Parliament and three (03) to media professionals. » Opposition MPs also see in this postponement, the unwillingness of the Speaker Nago to read the letter of resignation of a MP who defected from FCBE thus getting the presidential camp into trouble in the Parliament. It is said the next Thursday; another agenda is to be scheduled. It would be on the protection of personal data.

Fortuné AGUEH
Translated by Alfred Cossi Chodaton
alf2chod@yahoo.fr

Benin Politics : FREE CESAREAN IN BENIN

2009-04-08T13:56:00.000+01:00

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Decision welcome with mitigation

Due to be effective on April 01, 2009 in forty-three (43) hospitals in the rural area, the measure of free caesarean had its first day of implementation in Benin amidst a situation of shortage of basic material supplies and qualified personnel, on the ground.

Boni Yayi made this promise during the 2006 presidential and since in office, has been finding out a way to implement the measure. After three (03) years of rule and two (02) years ahead of the next presidential elections schedule to take place in March 2011, he has finally made it although there are serious reservations about the way the decision is being implemented.

Taken during a Cabinet Meeting in March 2008 and reactivated again a year later on the sidelines of the celebration of International Women's Day in March 2009, the measure of free cesarean delivery was effective on April 01, 2009 but only in hospitals which are eligible to receive deliveries that can not be made naturally. In most of these eligible hospitals, which are located in rural areas, the implementation of the measure is effective but causes a lot of rush and a sharp increase in the average number of women who undergo cesarean section before giving birth.

At Suru-Léré Hospital, a suburb hospital, the unique medical center eligible in Cotonou city, at 6 p.m. four (04) cases of women who gave birth by caesarean section have already been recorded while two others emergency cases have been waiting to undergo surgery. Questioned, the Head of this suburb hospital stated that the daily average number of women who undergo cesarean section to give birth is three (03).

The measure is unanimously welcome but most of the professionals in the healthcare sector show a mitigated reaction. Most of them expressed dissatisfaction about the way the measure has been implemented in the different medical centers. They complain that the Government has not considered their demands before making this decision.

On the eve of the day when the decision was due to be implemented, the healthcare Union in a communiqué, commends what it calls «…the noble and praiseworthy Government’s initiative which is an important step towards maternal and neonatal mortality reduction…. » However, it deplores that the implementation of such an important decision, in a context marked by the lack of medical equipments and related supplies as well as by the shortage of quailed professionals, raises doubt about its success. Moreover, there are many demands of wage increase which remain until now unanswered.

Benin healthcare system has regularly been hit by strikes because of poor work conditions in the sector. The Government has promised to do all it could to improve work conditions in healthcare sector but the workers think that this improvement was a prerequisite to the success of this decision regarding free cesarean.

In addition to this lack of human, financial, and material resources, health professionals emphasized the need for a clearly outlined policy in an official manual of instructions, which can serve as guideline in the implementation of this decision as well as an executive ministerial order defining the framework in which the decision has to be implemented. According to them, the actors involved in the implementation of the decision are not sensitized enough since there is no clarification about the beneficiaries and about the care of the child born under cesarean section.

Critics in the media also blame the Government for implementing such a decision without planning, method, proper sensitization of the public, and the prerequisites, which it has to meet foremost. In fact, the measure has triggered a lot of confusion in public since many are not aware that the measure does not involve all the medical centers.

Furthermore, the Government only subsidizes part of cesarean related charges. The Government pays one hundred thousands (100.000) f CFA for each cesarean section leaving the remaining charges to the patient. One columnist, Jérôme CARLOS who is also known as a historian, raises doubt about the credibility of the Government by asking, « is there gratuity or can one talk about gratuity if the initiative of the Government, yet praiseworthy, is nothing but the payment of a part of the cesarean cost? In fact, what is gratuity? The dictionary answers: characteristics of something that is given without payment or that one enjoys without payment as counterpart»

Criticisms over the Government’s handling of the measure regarding free cesarean are similar to ones that have already been voiced about other several decisions. Opposition, ordinary citizens, and analysts, all agree that, although there is on the part of the Government, the willingness to confront the challenges facing the nation, the precipitous manner, in which these problems are being taken on, aims at impressing rather than really solving them. Whether it is about free education, Government response to workers’ demands, micro finance, fight against corruption, agriculture policy, and many different issues, public as well as analysts voiced the same criticisms, which can be summarized in one word: hastiness.

Alfred Cossi Chodaton
alf2chod@yahoo.fr

Benin Politics : RB PROTESTORS TOOK TO STREETS

2009-04-04T14:33:00.000+01:00

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Militants ask for a quick and reliable investigation

On Thursday, April 02, 2009 responding to the call from their leaders, thousands of RB (Rebirth of Benin in French, Renaissance du Bénin) militants and sympathizers turned out in Cotonou streets to utter their indignation over what they see as several attempts aiming at intimidating them.

They also intended to claim their resolution to keep up the fight alongside the positive political forces of the country for the preservation of the February 1990 National Conference of the Active Forces achievements.

The RB militants took to the streets after an attack on the Party headquarters on March 19, 2009 and the statements of both Candide Azannaï, a former RB MP and Ganiou Soglo, current Culture and Sports Minister accusing some the RB leaders of being behind the assault which, according to them, was made to incite people’s sympathy.

For the BR militants and sympathizers such statements, that they see as very provocative, could not be left unanswered. As if the response of Oliver Paraïso to Candide Azannaï on Monday, March 30, 2009, accusing him of being motivated by ministerial ambitions, was not enough, RB militants thought they needed to send a signal the public authorities in charge of security and made clear to them the attack on their Party headquarters could not go unpunished.

Dressed in tee shirts with the Party symbols and slogans or wearing red armbands, echoing the airs of the band chanting militant songs, RB activists marched from Place de l’Etoile Rouge across Avenue du Canada, Cadjèhoun Mosque crossroad, Bon Pasteur Cathedral, Père Aupiais College, Sciences Faculty then reached the Ministry of Interior and Public Security.

It was an impressive mobilization of RB activists with a folk of motorcycle taxi drivers and with banners that bore inscriptions such as, "The RB says no to intimidation and violence", "The RB reaffirmed its membership to the G13, G4, and Force Clé coalition"

At the Interior Ministry, they voiced their demand for justice through a speech, which was read by one Délonix Kogblévi.

He emphasized the resolution of the RB militants to preserve the achievements of February 1990 Conference, and the improvement of Beninese living conditions. Delonix Kogblévi did not fail to express the sympathy, solidarity, and support of RB militants to their fellows who were the victims of the attack, namely John Paul Vieyra and Robert Amoulé. While reaffirming their unwavering commitment to Party ideals and firm support for its leadership, RB activists demand an impartial and credible investigation on the attack.

On receiving the motion of protest, the Interior and Public Security Ministry Chief Staff, Abassi Aley said that he gets their message and he will report it faithfully to his superior. According to him, the investigation, that is under way, will continue, as it should. «The authors of this burglary and these acts of violence will be found and punished accordingly. Better, be still and trust justice. », he said to RB activists.

Alfred Cossi Chodaton
alf2chod@yahoo.fr

Benin Politics : MP CHABI DARE

2009-04-03T08:57:00.000+01:00

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MP resigns from the ruling FCBE

Chabi Daré was a parliamentarian of the ruling FCBE (Cowries Forces for an Emerging Benin, in French, Forces Cauris pour un Bénin Emergent), which is the presidential alliance set up in the eve of the 2007 legislative elections. He is said to have abandoned FCBE and joined G13. G13 is part of the opposition alliance intending to oust Boni Yayi in 2011.

This resignation is the second from the ruling FCBE. One FCBE former member, the parliamentarian Zoumarou Wallis did the same recently.

However, according to the rumors, there are more resignations to come and more departures from the FCBE to the opposition should be expected, as the divisions within FCBE ranks are deep.

Chabi Daré is said to complain about the exclusive focus of the Head of State on 2011 presidential contest, which, according to him, does not allow him to care for the fate of his own supporters. For him, Boni Yayi has all the time been busy trying to win over opposition partisans neglecting those who always remain faithful to him.

Some analysts in the media suggest that Chabi Daré was bribed into joining the opposition with thirty (30) million CFA francs.

Since the beginning of the democratic era, defection of PMs from one party to another has been common but resignation from a ruling Party is not something common in Benin.

During the 2006 presidential campaign, Boni Yayi has promised to fight malpractice and help restore ethics in Benin politics. Many have hoped that he would commit himself to the fight against what is called in Benin politics «political transhumance» but amazingly, the practice seems to be flourishing under his regime as many opposition partisans who leave their parties are welcome within the presidential camp. This time round, it is the ruling FCBE which records defection from its own ranks. Is it unfair?

At the National Assembly, on Thursday, April 02, 2009, two (02) G13 MPs, Rachidi Gbadamassi and Sacca Fikara alleged that the new comer in the alliance, MP Chabi Daré is under threat. For both, a demonstration is due take place against him in his hometown, Kandi and some habitants intend to attack his house. According to them, Chabi Daré’s wife was taken to the presidential palace.

If this defection is confirmed, it will be a serious blow to Boni Yayi, who is getting increasingly vulnerable.

Alfred Cossi Chodaton
alf2chod@yahoo.fr

Benin Politics : BENIN 2011 PRESIDENTIAL RACE

2009-04-03T07:22:00.000+01:00

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Prospect for a unique candidate for G4, G13 and Force Clé coalition

In November 2008, the opposition parties such as RB (Renaissance du Bénin), MADEP (Mouvement Africain pour le Développment et le Progrès), PSD (Parti Social Démocrate), PRD (Parti du Renouveau Démocratique) and their allies G13 and Force Clé met and expressed their willingness to oust Boni Yayi in 2011, yet the coalition leaders have not come up till now with a workable strategy aiming at ensuring victory in the upcoming elections.

The announcement of the opposition coalition being set up was welcome by many as it is the first time in Benin history that an alliance of political parties has been set up more than two (02) years ahead of an election with the clear objective of seizing power through democratic means. In the past and since the advent of the democratic era in 1990, the political parties have rallied occasionally only to back individual candidates in the second round. Therefore, this has made in Benin politics some individual figures such as Mathieu Kérékou, Nicéphore Soglo and Boni Yayi more prominent than the political parties which have all the time been divided by their bitter rivalries. It is why in the media, analysts as well as ordinary citizens see the birth of G4, G13 and Force Clé coalition as a positive development.

However, since this meeting of Common Political Return which took place in Abomey and Bohicon from 28 to 29 November 2008 and marked the birth of this opposition alliance and despite the apparent willingness repeatedly expressed by the leaders of the alliance to act and work together for change in 2011, little has been achieved till now in terms of an outlined strategy which must be devised in order to make victory possible for them.

For such a strategy to take shape, there have been some key questions that need to be answered but remain unanswered:

1. Should each member party run on its own or rally behind a common and unique candidate for the alliance in the first round?
2. What should be the key aspects or features of the government policy that the alliance is going to propose to the voters during the campaign and pursue if victorious?
3. How the campaign is practically going to take place for the alliance to reach out to the citizens in the different parts of the country?

These are important issues, which have been not addressed so far while the governmental camp on such questions seems to have made considerable progress.

Even though in both camps, the statements lack substance and clear ideas about how to solve the different problems facing the nation, the ruling FCBE and its allies on their part know precisely who is going to be their candidate. Boni Yayi has no reason for not pursuing a second term and is till now doing all he can to gain more popularity.

The presidential coalition also appears to have a clear vision of how it will reach out to people. The decentralized FCBE organs have been set up throughout the country in all the different regions to coordinate the campaign. Apart from this, all the highest officials in Government and in different public departments, the MPs and even the Head of State have all the time been on the ground, meeting and talking to ordinary Beninese. Boni Yayi has relentlessly been touring the whole country and going to most remote parts of the country to show the marginalized ones, how he still cares for them.

Such preparedness two (02) years ahead of the race may prove to be a serious advantage for the ruling FCBE.

On the other side, the opposition, despite the prospect of a unique candidate raised several times by some of its leaders, mainly by Léhady Soglo, still seems divided over the issue. According to analysis in the media and in the public, there have been two (02) views colliding over the strategy, which must be adopted by the alliance.

On one hand, some think that the prospect for a unique candidacy is unrealistic and that even if it were to be achieved, it could not lead to victory. The rational behind this option is that each party should run on its own in the first round. The candidate who will be between the two contenders for the second round will have the support of other alliance members. This strategy should avoid inside the alliance rivalries, which may weaken further a fragile coalition. For the advocates of multiple candidacies in the first round, the prospect for a unique candidate may alienate popular vote in some parts of the country as regional and ethnical considerations play a major role in Benin politics. The fact that there is no candidate running form a region, may cause voters apathy in this specific region while multiple candidates should help mobilize the opposition voters in all regions of the country.

On the other hand, there are those who suggest that the prospect of a unique candidate is the only one that can assure victory for the opposition. The choice of a unique candidate should help mobilize the opposition voters to avoid an outright victory for Boni Yayi in the first round.

If the prospect for a unique candidacy comes to be accepted by the member parties, Adrien Houngbédji will likely be the most serious contender on whom, the alliance must rely upon to win the 2011 presidential elections. In fact, because he is the only one among the current opposition leaders who was able to secure enough votes to take part in the second round in 2006.

However, this prospect for a unique candidate to be effective cannot be made possible without dialogue, concession, and understanding. It is why the leader who is supposed to run as the opposition coalition candidate must prioritize tête-à-tête to convince voters, raise trust and confidence among his partners and among the general public but so for Adrien Houngbédji has not been seen frequently coming out publicly. He seems to have chosen an approach consisting of discretion and rare public appearances. Some analysts even suggest that he is introverted and has not been willing to come out of his retreat.

Alfred Cossi Chodaton
alf2chod@yahoo.fr

Benin Politics : HIGH COURT OF JUSTICE

2009-04-01T07:36:00.000+01:00

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Opposition coalition boycotts the judges' designation

As a first parliamentary decision appointing six (06) High Court judges was declared unconstitutional, the National Assembly met on Thursday, March 26, 2009 for another designation but when the vote started the irritated opposition left the session.

High Court of Justice is one of the main judicial bodies provided by the Constitution of Benin (Republic). It is competent to deal with any case of crimes or wrongdoings that can be regarded as high treason, involving the acting Head of State or any other acting member of the Executive.
First, on Saturday, December 20, 2008, early in the morning, after a long deadlock that lasted almost a whole week, the Parliament elected its six (06) representatives in the High Court of Justice. The opposition took all the six (06) seats ignoring the call for consensus from the ruling FCBE which boycotted the vote declaring it was unconstitutional.
However, in a decision on January 08, 2009 the move of the National Assembly has been overturned by the Constitutional Court.
The Court's decision was based on the fact this appointment was not made in accordance with representativeness in the National Assembly of different political tendencies. According to the Court, Benin Constitution makes provisions for multiparty democracy and therefore such an appointment should take into account the different political tendencies which are represented in the National Assembly.

Nevertheless, the opposition camp accuses the Court of bias and partiality arguing that previous rulings made by the same Court on the same matter contradict with this latest one. And so opposition coalition which dominates the National Assembly has not been willing to abide by the latest Court's ruling on the issue. As a consequence, the National Assembly was unable to agree on the way to accommodate the Court's decision which according to Benin Constitution can not be subjected to any contestation.

On Thursday, March 26, 2009 the National Assembly met again to debate the issue in order to come up with a solution. The Law Commission which was assigned to find a way out of the deadlock so that the judges' appointment could be made in conformity with Court's ruling had made public its report defining the concept of minority and majority.

The report states the ruling FCBE is the minority while the coalition of ADD (made up of RB and PSD), PRD and G13 is the majority but the opposition argues that this view has nothing to do with the reality since these political parties have not put forwarded to the Speaker a statement making official their existing alliance.

The opposition asked for this report to be submitted to vote but the Speaker of Parliament opposed its request. Despite the absence of the opposition MPs who boycotted the vote, the designation of the National Assembly representatives in the High Court of Justice went ahead. Three (03) representatives were designated by forty one (41) votes against with 1 abstention. The appointees are Erick Nda Kouagou, January Yahouédéhou, Benoît Comlan Degla for the ruling FCBE.

Alfred Cossi Chodaton
alf2chod@yahoo.fr

Benin Politics : THE OBSESSION WITH 2011 GOES ON

2009-04-01T07:28:00.000+01:00

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Azannaï targets RB

The entire Benin political arena has been obsessed with 2011, for a while, but instead of holding public and contradictory discussions over the main challenges facing the country, the opposition coalition G4, G13 and Force Clé as well as the ruling FCBE and its allies have been waging a campaign of accusations and counter-accusations. The main actor of this saga's latest chapter is Candide Azannaï who came out strongly against the RB leaders during a press release at his Party headquarters on Thursday, March 26, 2009.

Following the attack on Renaissance du Bénin's headquarters on Wednesday, March 19, 2009 both camps accuse each other of inciting violence.

Thus in a press conference held at the headquarters of the Party, Rerstaurer L'Espoir which he set up after his dismissal from his former Party, Renaissance du Bénin, Candide Azannaï made accusations against the RB leaders. He alleged that they are the ones behind the assault on the headquarters of their own Party, assault which resulted in one serious injured, the brother-in-low of Nicéphore Soglo. He denounced what he said was «the self-victimization of the Renaissance du Bénin» over the attack against its headquarters. According to him, the attack aims at diverting the attention of the public from the crisis looming in RB ranks.

The deteriorating political climate marked by verbal escalation which has gradually been generating violence worries Candide Azannaï, according to his own statement. The Chairman of Restaurer L'Espoir, attended by his new political friends and close allies to Boni Yayi such as Alexandre Hountondji, Amos Elègbè, Martin Dohou Azonhiho, Maxime Houédjissin and Ali Houdou, said the Party which he heads, through this media release, intended to perform «a national duty by raising public awareness». He finds very strange the exaggeration in the media made by those who, according to him, are responsible for the case of attack against RB headquarters.

The man who once was one of the most influential RB members said that burglary is still part of the schemes which were often used by his former Party in situation of political crisis or when faced with internal crisis. To illustrate his argument, he mentioned « the so-called attack of Rosine Vieyra Soglo's office, the announcement of Nicéphore Soglo's false death and the alleged robbery and theft of documents from him in Paris. » For him, it is a self-victimization aims at inciting people's sympathy.

The speaker also highlighted other issues. Talking about the reelection of Nicéphore Soglo and his son Léhady Soglo respectively as Mayor and Deputy Mayor of Cotonou, he said it was a mistake committed by the presidential camp. For him, after their half-defeat in the 2007 legislative elections, the lieutenants of Boni Yayi should have given them, the final blow. However having not done so, they have allowed the mismanagement of Cotonou city which is the country's first city. He believes that instead of putting peace in jeopardy in the perspective of 2011 by their deeds, the city's administrators should make public the results of their first term. He also accused that the Cotonou estate is targeted and is being sold off cheaply. He said the city council should also inform its citizens on the use of almost twelve (12) billion a year for these resources are supposed to be spent for the development and the cleaning up of Cotonou, which keeps on stinking and being insalubrious.

BR, since November 2008 when the coalition G4, G13 and Force Clé was formally set up, has seemed to be faced with an internal division as some of its influential members such as the MPs Epiphane Quenum, Justine Chodaton and the current Sports and Culture Minister, Ganiou Soglo are not apparently acting in accordance with the Party line. This might probably be what Candide Azannaï has referred to as internal crisis.

This second son of Nicéphore Soglo, Ganiou Soglo who is the Sports and Culture Minister on Golfe Radio Station on Sunday, March 29, 2009 acknowledged that according to him, the attack against RB headquarters was nothing but a montage similar to the rumors previously alleging his father was dead. He blamed the entourage of his father for this attack and even held this entourage accountable for whatever might happen to his father.

This late statement which is much critical about RB is not the first one from Candide Azannaï. Candide Azannaï, on Monday, December 01, 2008 came out strongly against what he called: «a political armed robbery» referring to the joined meeting held from 28 to 29 November, 2008 in Bohicon by the coalition of G4, G13 and Force Clé.

Candide Azannaï was once RB's National Executive Secretary but was sacked from the Party on the eve of March 2006 presidential elections while he seemed to oppose the candidacy of Léhady Soglo. Later, he joined Boni YAYI's camp.

On Monday, March 30, 2009, in a response to the statement made by Azannaï, Olivier Paraïso, National Secretary in charge of decentralized RB organs declared that « for a while, there have been rumors of cabinet reshuffle coming out and Candide Azannaï, nourishing ministerial ambitions, needed to send a signal to the Head of State who seems to have been forgetting him for so long. »

Alfred Cossi Chodaton
alf2chod@yahoo.fr

Benin Politics : BENIN 2011 PRESIDENTIAL RACE

2009-03-27T07:39:00.000+01:00

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Violent clashes instead of constructive debates

ALTHOUGH BENIN IS TWO YEARS AHEAD OF THE 2011 PRESIDENTIAL CONTEST, THE WHOLE POLITICAL ARENA HAS ALREADY BEEN WAGING CAMPAIGN; A CAMPAIGN WHICH LACKS SUBSTANCE, DEBATES, IDEAS, AND DISCUSSIONS BUT INSTEAD, HAS BEEN DOMINATED BY VIOLENT CLASHES.

On one hand, there is the ruling FCBE and its allies which are willing to have a second term in office, on the other; there is an opposition which wants to oust the President Boni Yayi. Considering, since 1990, Benin has been a democratic country, these pretensions are all legitimate but power or the quest for it, in itself, can not be enough to convince the voters.

Ruling FCBE, instead of trying to convince the citizens by its policy in Government and its willingness to face the problems confronting the nation, has thrown itself in a precocious campaign depriving the Government of the energy needed to take on the challenges of development. High officials who are supposed to be focused on governance at different levels have all the time been out on the ground campaigning.

On its part, the opposition has been unable so far clearly to define what its purposes are. It is now clear that the opposition leaders have in common the desire to oust Boni Yayi from Government but what, they intend to do afterward, remains unclear as well as what is going to be their policy and how they are going to implement that policy.

Both camps seem to be avoiding the important issues such as the fight against corruption, the global economical crisis, the Beninese electoral system, the reform of the Constitution to improve democratic and good governance and so on.

The well-known Beninese columnist, historian and journalist Jerôme CARLOS, in his analysis on Tuesday, March 03, 2009 rightly questions the rational behind this early campaign : « …But ultimately, if we look closely, what future are we talking about, the future of whom, more precisely? Is this the future of politicians who are always to be first and foremost, politically well-positioned to better cling to power, to their appreciable benefits and privileges? Is this the future of men and women, covered by the general and generic term of people who are invited in time of an election to devote themselves to problematic and unhealthy gambling of a perverted democracy? »

Apart from this lack of substance marking this inappropriate campaign, politically motivated violence has been erupting throughout the country. If the situation keeps on worsening instead of mobilizing the voters, this campaign may cause apathy from the citizens and increase their disregard to politics and politicians.

Alfred Cossi Chodaton
alf2chod@yahoo.fr

Benin Politics : PRECOCIOUS CAMPAIGN FOR 2011

2009-03-27T07:37:00.000+01:00

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Need for restrain

ONGOING PRECOCIOUS ELECTORAL CAMPAIGN FOR MONTHS THROUGHOUT ALMOST THE ENTIRE COUNTRY IS A WORRISOME SIGN FOR THE UPCOMING ELECTIONS, MAINLY THE PRESIDENTIAL ONES. FOR A WHILE, THE FANATICISM AND INFLAMMATORY NATURE OF STATEMENTS DELIVERED DURING POLITICAL MEETINGS ARE AN EVIDENT PROOF.

Apparently, on both camps the positions have openly been made very clear since the Seminar of Common Return which was held in Abomey and in Bohicon and gave birth to the coalition of the anti cowries forces committed to change in Government in 2011. Since this meeting, the member parties of G4, G13 and Force Clé coalition have been watching very closely one another and none of them wants, as it is suggested, to take the risk of breaking up or “betraying” the commitment that was made. And till now, 2011 contest has been the key topic of all political statements. Everyone has therefore been focused on the forthcoming race. The peculiarity of this current situation lies in the fact that since the advent of the democratic era, it is the first time a coalition of political parties has been set up and has openly expressed its willingness to work for change in Government two years ahead of the presidential elections. A coalition, almost similar, but less structured was born in 1995, just few months before the March 1996 presidential elections. It had ousted Nicéphore Soglo and brought Mathieu Kérékou back into office. In fact, counting on his effective economical and financial achievements, under the transitional regime and under his mandate, Nicéphore Soglo has, as it may have looked like, ignored threats and ability for harms this coalition which defeated him finally, may have constituted. His partisans did not have the time to escape the fall down.

The anti cowries forces have now been in the same situation, it seems, with a Government aware which, on its side, has been embracing itself in order to be strengthened and remain in place trough all legal means. Then the cowries forces and the ones of opposition have been, all weekends, on the ground holding political meetings which turn into campaign rallies with denunciations and insults. The nearer, the elections' day is, the more worrisome, the ongoing premature campaign has blithely been getting. There have not been contradictory debates on the media to keep the wrangling under control and allow the people to be well-aware in order to make the good choice when the time comes.

The violence which broke out last weekend in Ouidah and resulted in one death and many serious injured, has direct or indirect links to this premature campaign. In some places, threatening statements have sometimes been very dreadful. Partisans have been getting exited and the tension has been running high steadily. All weekend has been marked by insults, poisoning and anxiety with a Government that has increasingly been getting distracted from its tasks for the country's development and by denunciations made without any evidence. With this foreseeable danger which is coming up, the Civil Society should start an awakening campaign. It is only this Civil Society that can still recall to the minds of politicians their obligations not to put peace in jeopardy by their deeds.

Apollinaire Kouton
Translated by Alfred Cossi Chodaton
alf2chod@yahoo.fr

Benin Politics : DIRECT TALKS BETWEEN THE HEAD OF STATE AND THE LABOR LEADERS

2009-03-23T11:06:00.000+01:00

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Four hours of frank dialogue at the presidential palace

THE LEADERS OF LABOR UNIONS MET SATURDAY, MARCH 21, 2009 THE HEAD OF STATE AT THE PRESIDENTIAL PALACE. DURING EXACTLY FOUR HOURS, BONI YAYI AND HIS GUESTS HAD SINCERE DISCUSSIONS ABOUT THE PROBLEMS FACING THE WORKERS.

For weeks, the social unrest has been on such a rise that one could think the country has been going through a crisis despite the intense activities of public authorities on the ground. Last Saturday, the Head of State decided to give a helping hand to his Ministers who had already been engaged in talks with the works through a dialogue with the labor union leaders. Taking serious the invitations, almost all the front leaders of the labor movements responded positively to the Head of State’s appeal. The labor leaders were impressed by the availability and the openness that the Head of State demonstrated towards them. He spent about four hours having a constructive dialogue sanctioned by commitments and promises for the future.

Indeed, with Boni YAYI, the leaders of trade unions had talks mainly about the increase in the level of wages, bonuses and other benefits granted to workers. The Head of State has spoken frankly of the State finances, his sensitivity to workers problems and his readiness to provide progressive solutions based on available resources. As proof of his commitment, the Head of State has promised, for instance, to sign this week an executive order to establish the level of increase in the minimum wage. He also promised to set up a commission to study the conditions under which certain allowances are allocated to health sector workers who over the past few days have been on strike causing a lot of damages to the patients in public hospitals. Also he assured health sector workers that the payment of incentives will be continued. Regarding the privatization of some State owned companies, Boni YAYI has promised union leaders that he will always take good care of workers’ interests. And to prove his commitment to abide by the outcome of the talks, the Head of State has promised regular meetings with them every three (03) months. Gaston AZOU of CSTB, Georges KAKAI GLELE of COSI and other labor leaders left the presidential palace with the feeling that they now have a more receptive partner to the workers’ problems.

Apollinaire KOUTON
Translated by Alfred Cossi CHODATON
alf2chod@yahoo.fr

Benin Politics : MILLENIUM CHALLENGE ACCOUNT BENIN

2009-03-23T10:00:00.000+01:00

US Ambassador opposes the Government’s move

IN A LETTER SENT TO THE BENIN GOVERNMENT ON TUESDAY, MARCH 03, 2009 BY US AMBASSADOR GAYLEATHA BROWN, SHE MADE IT VERY CLEAR THAT THE UNILATERAL MOVE BONI YAYI HAS INITIATED BY APPOINTING OTHER GOVERNMENT REPRESENTATIVES IN THE EXECUTIVE BOARD OF THE MILLENIUM CHALLENGE ACCOUNT BENIN DOES NOT ABIDE BY THE AGEEMENT WHICH WAS SIGNED BETWEEN BOTH COUNTRIES.

The whole thing started by a letter received by the current Millennium Challenge Account (MCA) Benin Coordinator from the Presidency Chief Staff letting him know that due to the appoint of new members in the MCA Benin Executive Board, a previously schedule meeting of this board could not take place.

Here is an extract from the letter:

« By executive order of the Cabinet meeting held on Wednesday, February 25, 2009 and issued to the public on March 01, 2009, the Government making rightly an interpretation of the Compact provisions has changed the Executive Board of Millennium Challenge Account composition. From now on, the Minister in charge of Maritime Economy, Maritime Transport and Port Facilities, represents the Head of State in the Board. The Ministers in charge, respectively, of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries, on the one hand, of Economy and Finance on the one hand again, of Environment and Nature Protection, on the other hand, of Urban Development, Housing, Land Reform and Coastal Erosion Prevention on the other hand again and of Justice represent the Government in the Board.

At last the other members of the Executive Board are:

Benin Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s Chairman;
A Civil Society representative;
A representative of Benin National Communes Association;
A representative of the National Assembly Board.

The Head of State representative will assume administration of the Executive Board. This decision taken by the Government is in accordance with the Compact provisions and must be implemented without delay. It is why I ask you to get in touch with the new Head of the Executive Board in order to have discussions over the modalities for transfer of function.

It is only after the transfer of function that the new date for the next Executive Broad session might be made public. »

The response of US Ambassador on Tuesday, March 03, 2009:

« At a meeting convened on the February 12, 2009 by his Excellency, Dr. Boni YAYI, President of the Benin Republic to insure the MCC program advancement and success, he stated he intended to restructure the Executive Board.
MCC appreciates the important initiative taken by the Government for this purpose. In fact, in the news paper La Nation issued on Monday, March 02, 2009, we read that the Cabinet had adopted the previous week a draft executive order on the establishment, prerogatives, composition and functioning of the Executive Board and the Advisory Board for Benin National Program of Millennium Challenge Account.
We express our satisfaction with the oversight at high level of this program by the Government to ensure its success. Nevertheless, the agreement signed by both Governments on February 22, 2006 has already defined very precisely the structure and the functioning of the MCA Benin
The Compact has also specifically listed, in the section 3 (c) (i) of Annex l, the transactions, the records and activities which require the initial MCC approval. It is evident that considering the Compact provisions, before the implementation of any change to the MCA Benin Executive Board and Advisory Board or other change of this nature, the initial MCA approval is necessary. Without such an approval, present structure, authorities and prerogatives remain in place. (Enclosed is the text in English and in French).

We will be please to receive from you the detailed proposals for a more effective implementation of the Millennium Challenge Account program.

Counting on your usual diligence, please accept, Your Excellency the Minister, the assurances of my highest consideration. »

About MCA

The Millennium Challenge Account program was initiated under President BUSH’s administration to help developing countries combat poverty and support economical growth but the program is supervised by a US Government body, Millennium Challenge Corporation.

Benin is among about twenty (20) African countries which have been the beneficiaries of Millennium Challenge Account program.

«The five-year $307 million MCC Compact with Benin aims to increase investment and private sector activity in Benin. The Compact is comprised of four projects: increasing access to land through more secure and useful land tenure, expanding access to financial services through grants given to micro, small, and medium enterprises; providing access to justice by bringing courts closer to rural populations; and improving access to markets by eliminating physical and procedural constraints currently hindering the flow of goods through the Port of Cotonou. »

The selection of these countries has been made based on criterions among which is the « commitment to policies that promote political and economic freedom, investments in education and health, control of corruption, and respect for civil liberties and the rule of law by performing well on 17 different policy indicators. »

Alfred Cossi CHODATON
alf2chod@yahoo.fr

Benin Politics : GUNMEN ATTACK RB HEADQUARTER

2009-03-20T10:28:00.000+01:00

Former President SOGLO's party headquarter came under attack

LAST THURSDAY MORNING, MARCH 19, 2009 TWO GUN MEN BURST INTO RENAISSANCE DU BENIN HEADQUARTER IN COTONOU, ASSAULTED THE GUARDS, ENTERED SOGLO'S OFFICE AND RAN AWAY WITH PARTY RECORDS.

The former Head of State, Nicéphore SOGLO who happens to be Cotonou Mayor came to the scene with his deputy, Léhady SOGLO.

According to the local TV station Golfe, the two gunmen did not take with them any valuable items other than documents as the cars which were parked in the compound, were left untouched the gunmen. They went to the office of the party's honorary chairman, Nicéphore SOGLO and to the one of Léhady SOGLO and got away with party administrative records. One guard who was seriously injured was rushed to hospital.

The motive and the authors of this attack remain unknown so far. Interior Minister, Armand ZINZINDOHOUE who also went to the scene expressed his indignation and the willingness of the Government to find out those behind the attack and make sure they are punished as they should be. “This kind of event can not be condoned in a country which claims to be a democratic one”, he said.

Attacks on ordinary citizens have been common in Benin for a while and no measure on the part of the Government has really been proven to be efficient in curbing the phenomenon.

However, this latest attack, which occurred when relations between the opposition and Government had not been good, would definitely have another connotation.

The BR is a member party of the G4 which intends to make a change in Government in 2011 presidential contest. During March 2006, after the first round of presidential elections, the RB, the PSD and MADEP supported Boni YAYI for the second round but now all these three parties which gave him their support have formed an alliance with Adrien HOUNGBEDJI who was his contender.

All attempts made by Boni YAYI to get the BR back in his camp were unsuccessful. The Cotonou, Mayor Nicéphore SOGLO saw the willingness of ruling FCBE to unseat him through the last local elections which took place in March 2008 as a betrayal. On March 12, 2008, he and other leaders of G4 made a public declaration in which they voiced their disapproval about the way Boni YAYI has been handling State affairs.

In November 2008, they went Abomey and Bohicon to seal formally an alliance to oust Boni YAYI in 2011.

Therefore, this attack might further isolate Boni YAYI and add to the mistrust and tension between both camps. When questioned by journalists, Nicéphore SOGLO said that he was supposed to be personally targeted by the attack. He said there had been a bad wind blowing throughout the continent that was threatening the country.

Alfred Cossi CHODATON
alf2chod@yahoo.fr

Benin Politics : G4’S CANDIDATE FOR 2011

2009-03-20T10:23:00.000+01:00

Option for a unique candidate

FOR A WHILE THERE HAVE BEEN TAKLS WITHIN THE G4 MEMBER PARTIES ABOUT THE CHOICE OF A UNIQUE CANDIDATE WHO WILL STAND IN THE 2011 PRESIDENTIAL RACE. THIS CHOICE SHOULD COME OUT AND BE MADE PUBLIC VERY SOON.

The main opposition parties, the RB, the PSD, the MADEP and the PRD associated with other political coalitions such as G13 and Force Clé in an unprecedented meeting in November 2008 in Abomey and Bohicon voiced their willingness to join their forces, fight and win together the next presidential elections schedule to take place in March 2011.

Yet, so far nothing has been said about who will be the G4’s candidate and now, two years ahead of these elections, as the political landscape has started bracing its for the contest the need for this choice to be made has been getting increasingly urgent.

According to different sources, this choice must be made by April 2009. It is likely that Léhady SOGLO and Adrien HOUNGBEDJI are the two major contenders among whom the choice has to be made as the other G4 leaders Bruno AMOUSSOU, Antoine IDJI and Lazard SEHOUETO do not seem to show any interest till now in standing.

On one hand, Bruno AMOUSSOU who is now seventy (70) can not stand in any forthcoming presidential elections unless the current Constitution which bans anyone older than seventy (70) from standing is amended. On the other hand, the choice for a successor to Bruno AMOUSSOU might prove to be a divisive issue which will weaken further the PSD. Antoine IDJI, on his part, can still stand but his choice as a candidate is not presumable due to his very low performance in the 2006 contest. He got 3.23% of the vote and came fifth after Léhady SOGLO. As for Lazar SEHOUETO, he did less than Antoine IDJI and can not really be chosen as a candidate who is supposed to knock down Boni YAYI.

SOGLO Nicéphore’s son, despite his young age, came fourth in the 2006 presidential contest by getting 8.54% of the vote and has been very active in strengthening the ties between G4 members. Adrien HOUNGBEDJI was the most main Boni YAYI’s contender and got 24.23% of the vote. He is an experienced politician. Therefore, if a choice for a unique candidate were to be made, it should be either Léhady SOGLO or Adrien HOUNGBEDJI.

Anyway, the resolution within the G4 alliance to stand united in 2011 presidential race is strong. The leaders of the alliance are all convinced the fact that they who had bitterly fought each other in the past, come together to struggle and win the 2011 race should be a powerful signal to their followers and to the people who would definitely rally behind them. According to them, it is an unprecedented event in Benin’s history that should help unit the people for the opposition’s triumph. For this purpose, they think that the choice of this unique candidate have to be made by taking into consideration ordinary Benin citizens’ aspirations.

Among other issues, a G4 meeting which is due to take place soon will be reflecting on the modalities for the designation or the appointment of this unique candidate. Should the appointment be made by a panel of main figures through vote or on the basis of consensus? Which are the criterions that have to be considered in this choice?
In fact, these issues will prove to be very difficult to deal with despite the resolution and willingness of member parties not to go for 2011 presidential elections divided. Nevertheless, the G4 leaders are aware the option of individual candidacy, because of the lack of popular enthusiasm, the apathy that it can cause, might definitely lead to an outright victory for Boni YAYI.

Another contentious issue which may be a blockade to the choice of a unique candidate is Bio TCHANE’s potential candidacy. The G13 which is an ally to G4 has been backing and fighting for Bio TCHANE. Moreover, Mathieu KEREKOU is also said to have close ties with Bio TCHANE and seems to be willing to back him. And nobody can ignore the fact that Mathieu KEREKOU still has a lot influence over his former allies such as Bruno AMOUSSOU and Antoine IDJI and may try to use this influence in favor of Bio TCHANE.

As a result and given the increasing lack of cohesion within the ruling coalition, the uncertainty about the outcome of 2011 presidential elections is almost intact and any prediction will truly be hazardous. Nothing has already been set. Two years are long. Many surprises might have been awaiting the country. This makes any reliable analysis difficult and even impossible.

In an article published in the daily new paper ‘Le Matinal’, on Thursday, March 19, 2009, Calixte ADIYETON concluded that « all this causes to draw a picture of political uncertainty regarding the next presidential elections. However, this state of affairs has the advantage of keeping the political game still open to all sorts of negotiations and alliances in the last moment. This perspective can hold enough surprises, because if the opposition forces now agree upon the need for changing the driver in 2011, it is important to ensure that among the passengers of the vehicle, there is one at least that has his driver's license. »

Alfred Cossi CHODATON
alf2chod@yahoo.fr

Benin Politics : FIGHT AGAINST OIL SMUGGLING

2009-03-20T10:16:00.000+01:00

Government meets major actors in Kpayo’s business

FINANCE MINISTER, SOULE MANA LAWANI MEETS THIS WEDNESDAY; SOME MAJOR ACTORS INVOLVED IN OIL SMUGGLING. THE GOVERNMENT CONTINUES TO ACTIVELY EXPLORE WAYS AND MEANS TO CURB THIS BUSINESS, WHICH IS DIFFICULT TO COMBAT.

Faced with the recklessness of traffickers and other actors involved in illegal oil trade in the country, the Government has not given up. The Government has been using repression to track them down as well as continuously pursuing his policy of dialogue, given that for many years, successive regimes have left the business to grow, prosper so it has become a scourge, a genuine social phenomenon. In some border areas of Benin, the trafficking of this prohibited product is the main business. It took almost the place of agriculture and other trades. The survival of many families depends ultimately on it. Powerful lobbies have even been set up to defend the business in such a way that the Government is obliged to negotiate. It is even said that, at unsuspected levels in the State apparatus, illegal trafficking of the oil known as Kpayo, smuggled product, enjoys support.

In these circumstances, the negotiation is the only choice available for the Government that has already created an institutional framework to enable traders who are involved in this illegal business to start operating in the formal sector. Moreover, in this context, facilities are put forward to these illegal traffickers to install small filling stations. However, this approach that deserves to be praised does not seem to be really working. The few filling stations created are installed in major cities including Cotonou. Much of the country is not supplied by either the large filling stations or by small ones. The populations of areas which are not supplied by the formal sector have Kpayo as the sole source of supply. Finance Minister meets some key actors in the informal sector, who are still hesitant, presumably to explore other avenues and opportunities that may help get them out of this very dangerous business for themselves and for society as a whole.

Apollinaire KOUTON
Translated by Alfred Cossi CHODATON
alf2chod@yahoo.fr

Benin Politics : G4’S FISRT BIRTH ANNIVERSARY

2009-03-18T07:40:00.000+01:00

A statement was released to mark the anniversary

NATIONAL COORDINATION OF YOUTH UNITED FOR THE NATION RELEASED A STATEMENT ON THE OCCASION DURING A PRESS CONFERENCE HELD AT PRD HEADQUARTER BY MATHIAS AGON. HERE IS WHAT HE HAD TO SAY:

Contemporary political history teaches us the main mutations which affect the peoples come from the willingness and resolution to find a way to development and prosperity.

The long-lasting progress of our country’s political forces has often been marked by crucial stages sometimes favorable, sometimes heartbreaking for these forces. Our country’s political forces or political coalitions have flourished and grown through different attempts to cooperate and merge for the quest and experience of power. On the contrary, this steady process has still undergone blockades and setbacks which have kept annihilating the efforts made by each of us to establish and put in place a genuine cohesive political alliance which is indispensable for this country’s development.

By his own genius, the beninese people invented in February 1990 the Conference of the Nation’s Active Forces whose outcome was overwhelmingly welcomed.

The new era of multiparty system which was inaugurated thanks to the Conference marked the rise of new political forces in the country. These forces have taken for nearly twenty (20) years part into consolidation of our country’s democratization. In this process, they sometimes fought each other, sometimes came together to preserve the advancement of democracy.

The rise of the so-called regime of change has raised tremendous and legitimate hope among ordinary citizens. Unfortunately, this hope has faded due to new political practices and the populist way of governing which cause enormous concerns regarding governance at all levels.

In fact, the numerous conflicts in the relationship between institutions, rampant ill governance, but also and mainly the real threats on our democracy, led our political parties, one (01) year ago, to unit in the same crucible for reflections, analysis and actions in order to safeguard the National Conference’s achievements.

So since March 12, 2008 the RB, the PSD, the MADEP and the PRD, after the G13, joined by the Force Clé Alliance have instituted a dynamic and coherent framework to give our brethren reasons for hoping. It was at the memorable informative meeting which took place on March 12, 2008 at the Palais des Sports de Kouhounou.

This important gathering was met with a particular enthusiasm on the eve of the April 2008 local and municipal elections.

Many observers had questioned our ability to make enduring this new engagement, arguing that our past bitter rivalries are still vivid.

The achievement of the engagement for unity:

Among other achievements since March 12, 2008 made by the G4, G13 and Force Clé, we can mention:

· The victory in the April 2008 local, communal and municipal elections;
· The regular high level meeting of party leaders;
· The reinforcement of the political partnership which resulted in common standings on issues regarding national interests;
· The consultation among the Coalition’s parliamentarians on issue regarding the National Assembly;
· The Seminar of Common Political Return in Abomey and Bohicon on 28 and 29 November 2008;
· The establishment of the Youth National Coordination of the Alliance named Youth United for the Nation on Saturday, February 28, 2009 in Cotonou.

The perspectives for the engagement for unity:

Since March 12, 2008 and on different occasions, the political forces united in the G4, the G13 and Force Clé have demonstrated that this Alliance will go on getting strengthened.

However, the past evil division forces have been trying to resurface, using the obscure means which are the old hatred and resentments. These attempts are unfortunately made possible by some among us which give into the Government’s bribery and its deceitful seductions.

Nevertheless, we can expect that these mistakes will not be a blockade to the progress towards unity and the realization of new alternative which can raise hopes. It is why on this day, the anniversary of the G4 establishment, the Youth Untied for the Nation would like to urge the different leaders to be firm and to work without hesitations for the reinforcement of the engagement for unity.

We are now on a road where there is no possible return. Those who will try to do so will only be sanctioned by the youth and the people. Therefore we have no right for mistakes. History has shown the political landscape of our country does not offer any perspective for solitary victory.

For this, the Youth United for the Nation recommend that the comparative advantage of political Alliance is not wasted.

Long live Democracy!

Long live the G4, G13 and the Force Key!

Long live Benin!

May God guard us!

Cotonou, March 12, 2009

Translated by Alfred Cossi CHODATON
alf2chod@yahoo.fr

Benin Politics : BENIN GREEN REVOLUTION

2009-03-18T07:03:00.000+01:00

Agriculture top on Boni YAYI’s agenda

ANYWAY THAT IS THE MESSAGE HE IS EAGER TO CONVEY TO THE PEOPLE. ONE OF THE MAIN PROMISES BONI YAYI MADE DURING THE CAMPAIGN FOR 2006 PRESIDENTIAL ELECTIONS, IS TO SPEED UP ECONOMICAL DEVELOPMENT BY IMPLEMENTING AN AGRICULTURAL POLICY THAT WOULD INSURE FOOD SELF-SUFFICIENCY TO THE COUNTRY. NOW HE HAS BEEN TRYING TO SHOW HE IS STILL WILLING TO KEEP HIS PROMISE.

Boni YAYI has now been touring the country to meet farmers and consult them about what needs to be done for the beninese farming to develop. The farmers enumerate several demands that have to be met for the Government to achievement its purposes on agricultural development. After meeting the farmers in Atalantique-Littoral department and in Ouémé-Plateau department, the Head of State went to the northern region of the country.
Difficulties faced by the farmers are twofold. There are logistical issues regarding clearing, storing and conservation but also financing of the sector. The farmers suggest that a bank is set up to finance agriculture.

In response to these demands, President Boni YAYI promises to accelerate the reforms of the agriculture sector to enable producers of all sectors to diversify and to double their production.

Boni YAYI has promised once again to work diligently for mechanization of the farming. He reaffirmed his commitment to provide both the logistics and the technical assistance to insure this mechanization.
This is a message of hope that President Boni YAYI has wanted to convey to producers. «Our system produces more poverty than it creates wealth. But considering the population growth, we must go very quickly in order to reach food self-sufficiency. », said Boni YAYI. For the Head of the State, 422,000 hectares of farmland (among these 15% of the valley) belonging to the departments of Ouémé and Plateau are enough to feed all the Benin if we try to establish an agriculture development policy.

On the issue of agriculture development, Benin Government is engaged in a partnership with countries such as India and China. During his recent trip to India, the Benin Head of State had acquired tractors and other devices necessary for the implementation of agriculture mechanization.

Though, Boni YAYI’s courage, determination and willingness to develop the beninese agriculture must be praised, there are all of questions regarding land reform and the availability of the technical assistance. Many analysts raise a lot of questions about the success of the Government agriculture policy as in the past, Benin tried in vain to implement agricultural reforms.

Jérôme CARLOS who is a well-known columnist, historian and journalist argued that the country still has a long way to go before its ambitions regarding green revolution can be achieved: « …there will be no green revolution unless we care about training new generation of farmers that can ensure the safe continuation of farming activities. From this point of view, which education program have we put in place in our schools to support the announced green revolution? While it is true that there is not wealth other than men, we must be convinced that a new generation of women and men, armed with a new mentality and equipped with new knowledge and skills are needed to work as the major actors on the stage of our green revolution. »

Alfred Cossi CHODATON
alf2chod@yahoo.fr

Benin Politics :NATIONAL ASSEMBLY

2009-03-13T07:49:00.000+01:00

MPs endorse three draft agreements for 22 billions funds granted to Benin

MEMBERS OF NATIONAL ASSEMBLY MET ON TUESDAY, MARCH 10, 2009, AT PALAIS DES GOUVERNEURS IN PORTO-NOVO TO PASS THREE (03) DRAFT LOAN AGREEMENTS WHICH SHOULD ALLOW THE GOVERNMENT TO IMPLEMENT ITS INFRASTRUCTURE POLICY BUT DID NOT FAIL TO VOICE THEIR GRIEVANCES TOWARDS THE GOVERNMENT.

The three draft loan agreements signed between Benin Republic and some of its partners were endorsed on Tuesday, March 10, 2009 by the National Assembly.

Most important one is the bill endorsing the loan agreement signed on May 06, 2008 between Benin Republic and Bank for Investment and Development of the Economic Community of West African States (in French Banque d’Investissement et de Développement de la Communauté Econimique des Etats de l’Afrique de l’Ouest : BIDC) in connection with the financing of the rehabilitation project regarding the roadway which links Cadjèhoun Airport, Place de Souvenir and Africa Airline Crossroads in Cotonou worth 12.805 billion CFA francs of which 9 billion CFA francs as participation of Benin State. The particularity of this project is that it has already been implemented before its approval by the parliamentarians.

The second one is the bill approving the loan agreement signed on May 13, 2008 between the Republic of Benin and the West African Development Bank (in French, Banque Ouest Africaine de Développement: BOAD) for the partial funding of paving and streets sanitation in Abomey city worth 5.726 billion CFA francs of which 0.017 billion CFA francs as participation of Abomey Municipality.

Finally there is the bill authorizing the loan agreement signed on September 12, 2008 between Benin Republic and International Development Association (AID) as part of the Competitiveness and Integrated Growth Opportunity Project (CIGOP) worth 12.5 billion CFA francs for among other benefits: supporting the development of new businesses and creating jobs on the basis of the commercial transformation of the national resource, providing potential investors with opportunities to identify slots direct commercial transformation of the national resource, to overcome the technical barriers to trade and enable domestic companies to explore markets difficult to access, integrate all sectors investment as well as the access to market of beninese products.

The three (03) bills endorsing the loan agreements were respectively passed by 65 votes, 59 votes and 63 votes unanimously by parliamentarians present for each vote.

The Government was represented by Housing and Urban Development Minister, François NOUDEGBESSI, Small and Medium Business Minister, Léandre HOUAGA and Finance and Economics Minister, Soulé MANA LAWANI.

Despite the unanimous vote for all three (03) bills that were passed, the most of the parliamentarians were much critical about what they called the Government disrespect towards the National Assemebly. The draft that has drawn the most the attention of the parliamentarians is the one approving the loan agreement signed on May 06, 2008 between Benin Republic and Bank for Investment and Development of the Economic Community of West African States (BIDC) in connection with the financing of the rehabilitation project relating to the roadway linking the Cadjèhoun Airport, Place de Souvenir and Africa Airline Crossroads in Cotonou.

Indeed, roadway joining the Cadjèhoun Airport, Place de Souvenir and Africa Airline Crossroads has already been rehabilitated before the CEN-SAD summit held in Cotonou from 12 to 18 June 2008, nevertheless it is on Tuesday, March 10, 2009 the funding had to be approved by the National Assembly.

According to the parliamentarians, mainly Rachidi GBADAMASSI, Raphael AKOTEGNON, Jean-Baptiste EDAY, Paulin TOMANAGE, it is the disregard of the Government for National Assembly’s prerogatives on public finance management that attends to this state of things.

Some parliamentarians even uttered more serious criticisms about the Government’s handling of State finance. The MP Eric HOUNDETE said: «…I will vote for the bill …» for political reasons. According to him, if the issue were to be examined under technical ground, it would not be advisable to vote for the bill. The implementation of this project has been marked by technical failures and squander. To him, the building of this road was too expensive.

«How can one build a road 12 kilometers long by spending twelve (12) billion while the road which links Akpro-Missérété-Dango-Adjohoun-Kpédékpo long eighty nine (89) kilometers long would cost fourteen (14) billion?», wondered the MP le Kifouli CAKPO who is a PRD member.

On the contrary, most of the parliamentarians of the governmental coalition, the Head of State has been doing well. They thank him for making the Cadjèhoun Airport beautiful, but André DASSOUNDO acknowledged that the Government has not respected the National Assembly by proceeding the way it has do and invited the Speaker to forward a letter to the Head of State in order to point this out to him.

Alfred Cossi CHODATON
alf2chod@yahoo.fr

Benin Politics : VOTERS REGISTRY COMPUTERIZATION PROJECT (LEPI) FOR 2011

2009-03-13T07:45:00.000+01:00

MP Janvier YAHOUEDEHOU’s concerns

THE DEBATE OVER THE EFFECTIVENESS OF VOTERS REGISTRY COMPUTERIZATION (LEPI) BEFORE THE 2011 ELECTIONS DOMINATES THE CONTROVERSY IN PARLIAMENT. SOME VOICES HAVE ALREADY EXPRESSED RESERVATIONS ABOUT THE FEASIBILITY OF THE OPERATION. CERTAIN CONDITIONS ARE NOT MET TO GET A RELIABLE COMPUTERIZED ELECTORAL REGISTRY WHICH CAN PREVENT POSTELECTORAL CONTESTATIONS. THE MP, FCBE MEMBER WHO IS AN EXPERT ON COMPUTER PUTS A DAMPER ON THE SUCCESS OF THE OPERATION.

In a statement, the MP Janvier YAHOUEDEHOU expressed serious reservations about the willingness of the Head of State to make effective the computerization of voters’ registry (LEPI) for the combined 2011 presidential and legislative elections. According to him, the operation’s success depends on the completion of the Administrative Census with Civil Status Vocation (in French, Recensement Administratif à Vocation Etat Civil: RAVEC) initiated by the Government. In his understanding, electoral registration should be performed on the basis of birth certificate.

Yet, as for today, all Beninese do not have birth certificates despite the implementation of RAVEC. The project has limited the delivery of this paper to children under 15. Then, the MP finds it necessary to stop for a moment to review the work done to determine the number of Beninese who have managed to obtain the identification papers.

In terms of human resources, the MP raises enough questions about the availability of information technology specialists who will be needed for the project. It must be retained that MPs members of G4, G13 and Force Clé alliance found it difficult to have someone for computer engineer position at SAP/CENA. Most people with this profile have declined the offer because the appointment would not be profitable for them. Faced with this difficulty, the chairman of the parliamentary group "ADD nation and development," Jean Baptiste EDAY gave up the position to the governmental coalition. It means that high-level computer engineer is not common. The MP suggests a directory of computer scientists be established in order to ascertain their number.

In technical terms, the MP also has concerns. The 4-month period proposed by the experts for the completion of the census mapping, data exploitation of the national agricultural census does not seem normal. He has also expressed concern about the qualification and training of census agents. Beyond all, the MP Janvier YAHOUEDEOU has the merit to raise a substantial problem as a specialist in the field. Engineer and PhD in computer science, the MP has highlighted shortcomings in the process as recommended by the experts. His conclusion is that the LEPI may not be available before 2011. During UNDP National Convention in Bohicon, he said there had been prerequisites to be met. However, according to one of the initiators of the draft law on the LEPI, MP Karim CHABI SIKA, the remarks made by the MP Janvier YAHOUEDEHOU are political considerations from a technician. He criticized YAHOUDEHOU for not putting in the shoes of a legislator. It would have been desirable that the MP turns his concerns in proposed legislation to correct deficiencies stated his peer who shares some of his concerns. He considers that YAHOUEDEHOU’s position on the LEPI issue does not solve the problem.

Fortune AGUEH
Translated by Alfred Cossi CHODATON
alf2chod@yahoo.fr

Benin Politics : PROPSAL FOR A NEW TERRITORIAL DIVISION

2009-03-11T08:26:00.000+01:00

Savalou inhabitants reject the proposal and expel the Commission which made it

A COMMISSION SET UP ON OCTOBER 15, 2008 BY THE PRESIDENT BONI YAYI AND HEADS BY RICHARD ADJAHO AFTER COMING UP WITH A PROPOSED TERRITORIAL DIVISION FOR BENIN, SPLITTING THE COUNTRY INTO TWENTY-ONE (21) DEPARTMENTS, HAS BEEN CHASED AWAY FROM SAVALOU CITIY.

Savalou city is a town situated in the central region of the country. Between Savalou, Dassa-Zoumé and Savè, there has been a rivalry over the choice of the capital city of Collines Department proposed by a previous draft which split the country in twelve (12) regions. When an attempt was made to implement the proposal the inhabitants of Dassa-Zoumé reacted violently. The Government therefore suspends the implementation and asks for a new proposition by setting up a Commission.

The Commission set up in October last year, conducted a throughout examination of the current administrative division and the previous proposal splitting the country in twelve departments (12), put forward the latest proposal with twenty-one (21) departments.

Therefore, the Commission had been instructed by the Head of State, the President Boni YAYI to raise public awareness on the subject, to tour the country and convince the people of the goodness of its work.

It is why the Commission convened on Wednesday, March 04, 2009 a meeting with the people of Savalou in order to explain to them the new draft for the country’s administrative territorial division.

The population does not like the proposition that the Commission chaired by Mr. Richard ADJAHO made. He was personally targeted by the remarks of the speakers. Here is what in response to his introduction, they told him: « …It's because your job is dirty and has not been convincing that the President has let you down by asking you to go and tell people you are its authors. Mr. ADJAHO, do you have anything wrong to blame on Savalou? …. Today, President Boni YAYI has entrusted Savalou with the chieftaincy of Collines Department, and it is still you who has been dispossessing it…Mr. ADJAHO, you are bad; you are the executioner of the Savalou city and nobody has forgotten here. We commend the President KEREKOU who has labeled Benin intellectuals as idiots. You are one of them. You are retired, stupid and amortized people, to whom; Boni YAYI has generously given State vehicles and money that you squander. We pity your children who are the ones that will pay for your deeds. If I were you, I would forgo this job…»

«ADJAHO, héélou! ADJAHO, héélou! ADJAHO, héélou!!! », they started shouting to utter their outrage.

As if this very tough speech was not enough to express their anger, Savalou’s populations have fallen short of lynching the Commission members that were touring the country to explain their work.

Thus they were driven off with sticks and hostile slogans. The Committee has nearly escaped a catastrophe. As one could imagine, this touchdown was one of the riskiest for the former Interior Minister Richard ADJAHO and his team. The tension was generated by the new territorial division whose they are the authors.

Since some voices have been admonishing the new proposal, it is the first real test the former Minister of the Interior had to face. Assaulted verbally, then confronted with an uprising, Richard ADJAHO withdrew in his car to avoid the projectiles that were thrown to him.

This event must be a wakeup call for the leaders of this country not to give into populism. Many analysts in the media have warmed about the consequences of this proposal which could be seen as a sign of weakness. It is as if the populations have come to the conclusion that as long as they could violently and brutally oppose the will of the State, the Government would relinquish its power and give into their demands.

Alfred Cossi CHODATON
alf2chod@yahoo.fr

Benin Politics : PRESIDENTIAL MAJORITY

2009-03-11T08:18:00.000+01:00

Signs of deep division within the ruling FCBE

FORCE CAURIS FOR AN EMERGING BENIN (IN FRENCH FORCE CAURIS POUR UN BENIN EMERGENT: FCBE) WHICH BACKS PRESIDENT BONI YAYI IN THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY, HAS BEEN DISPLAYING FOR AWHILE SIGNS OF DIVISION WITHIN ITS LEADERS. IF CONFIRMED, THIS IN-FIGHTING MIGHT NOT DO GOOD FOR 2011 PRESIDENTIAL ELECTIONS.

The FCBE was set up as a governmental alliance on the eve of the March 2007 legislative elections which it won by obtaining thirty-five (35) seats against at total of eighty-three (83) seats in the National Assembly. Such a victory allowed Boni YAYI to put in place a presidential majority by reaching an agreement with the G13 alliance. Nevertheless, the comfortable majority which was supposed to give Boni YAYI all the power he needed to implement its policy had not lasted. It had been eroded by the withdrawal of G13 from the governmental coalition.

From what has been going on for a while within the ruling FCBE, it seems that the worst is still to come. There are obvious facts signaling lack of unity between the leading members of the alliance.

Janvier YAHOUEDEOU, a ruling FCBE's leading member, an advisor and a close associate to Boni YAYI, after criticizing severely the Head of State, in a speech delivered at the UNDP convention on Saturday, February 21, 2009, in Bohicon, over his positions regarding the implementation of the LEPI (the Voters’ Registry Computerization Project), was summoned to explain his statement at a meeting of the party’s leaders. He was reported to have defended himself brilliant and even other influential members of the ruling FCBE agreed with him.

In an article published in the local daily news paper, “Nouvelles Mutations” on Friday, March 06, 2009, another MP, Grégoire LAOUROU, who is a FCBE member elected as parliamentarian in the Banté constituency in the Central region, is said to be siding with Bio TCHANE, one of the potential contenders to President Boni YAYI in 2011 presidential contest. The article was much critical about the MP Grégoire LAOUROU, depicting him as someone Boni YAYI can no longer count on.

In another article published the same day in the daily news paper, “Le Matinal”, one of the most important political parties members of FCBE, FADES is said to be subject to a serious crisis which resulted into the sacking of the MP André DASSOUNDO from the party. The parliamentarian André DASSOUNDO is a leading member of the FCBE and the Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly.

The MP André DASSOUNDO reacted to his sacking by setting up his own party, the PSED on Friday, March 06, 2009 in Dassa-Zoumé but still claims to be supportive of Boni YAYI’s actions: « It must be retained once and for all whether or not DASSOUNDO creates his own party; he is and will be part of the presidential majority. DASSOUNDO and his party support the ideals based on justice, human rights and development espoused by the Head of State since his coming to power. And we will support the Head of State until the end of his term. »

Nonetheless, some analysts suggest that André DASSOUNDO has been dismissed from the FADES because of his recent stand against the way FCBE is being managed. There are even allegations that he intends to join the opposition alliance of G4, G13 and Force Clé and support Bio TCHANE’s candidacy for 2011 presidential race.

In another development at the National Assembly in Porto-Novo on Friday, March 06, 2009, the first extraordinary session which was due to take place, was boycotted by the fifty-five (55) parliamentarians among whom twenty-two (22) from the ruling FCBE. The session was convened by the Speaker of National Assembly after an express demand from the Government that wants the Parliament to approve three different loan accords signed between Benin and its partners.

The overwhelming absence of the FCBE parliamentarians might be another sign of malaise within its ranks. This growing division at a time when Boni YAYI has to face an increasingly defiant opposition from the G4, G13 and Force Clé, is not a good sign. It is as if the Head of State is not able anymore to convince his own camp about his chance to secure a second term in office. Now all those whom he is supposed to rely upon seem to be turning their back on him. Truly, things are getting tough for the Head of State.

Alfred Cossi CHODATON
alf2chod@yahoo.fr

Benin Politics : BONI YAYI’S TRIP TO INDIA

2009-03-06T10:27:00.000+01:00

Rehabilitation of Benin’s railways on the agenda

THE TRIP TO INDIA OF PRESIDENT BONI YAYI, IN ADDITION TO THE OPPORTUNITY THIS EMERGING COUNTRY WHICH HAPPENS TO BE A POWER BOTH ECONOMICALLY AND DEMOGRAPHICALLY, IS IMPORTANT FOR THE BENINESE BECAUSE IT OCCURS AFTER A VISIT OF THE BENIN’S HEAD OF STATE TO RAILWAY MEN FACING STRUCTURAL DIFFICULTIES FROM THE COMMON ORGANIZATION BENIN NIGER (IN FRENCH ORGANISATION COMMUNE BENIN NIGER: OCBN), THE COMPANY WHICH MANAGES THE RAILWAYS AND WHOSE ACTIVITIES ARE PENDING FOR NEARLY A DECADE. INDIA HAS SOLD THREE LOCOMOTIVES TO BENIN AND THE HEAD OF STATE PROMISED TO ACQUIRE THREE MORE. HENCE MANY COUNT ON THIS TRIP TO INDIA.

In fact after contacts with different outside investors, most of them were not willing to try and get back on track a Railways and Transport Organization Common Benin Niger (OCBN), which has continuously been plunging in a deepening crisis, can no longer face competition from road and stand up to aging equipments, shortage of spare parts, the decay of railways, the financial difficulties resulting in wage debts up to 10 months' arrears from which the Head of State promised to pay for 5 months first.

In addition to this salary assistance for a start, Boni YAYI’s vision is to restore the rails and rail transport, an instrument for decongesting and increasing transactions at the autonomous Cotonou Port, which is itself subjected to a modernization in order to match the needs of developing countries in the hinterland, particularly Niger. The docks used as warehouses by these countries need the carrying capacity of trains.

Moreover, the Government intends to reverse competiveness of the roads became unsafe due to the state of trucks, insecurity and carrying capacity. The train is also a serious asset to restore passenger trains on some lines suspended since 2007 in order to boost tourism. It is also said for mega structures that will be built against coastal erosion, transport of several tons of materials such as granite, the facilitations that the trains provide will have to be needed.

The OCBN that has been thought to be buried still bears a lot of hopes for future. In any case, the Transport Minister Nicaise FAGNON has strong faith and the Head of the state remains in the same line. Since 1959, OCBN manages the rail network inherited from the Network Benin Niger (in French Réseau Bénin Niger : RBN).

This network was built from 1900 to 1939 and includes 579 km of track metrics that were divided into three lines: the Cotonou-Parakou express from Cotonou, the North (Cotonou-Parakou), 438 km long, whose extension to Niamey, through Dosso is planned; the East (Cotonou-Pobè), 107 km long with traffic has been suspended since December 01, 1990. There was also the West line (Cotonou-Sègbohouè), 60 km long, which is also suspended.

The OCBN is about fifteen years old, had a large fleet of vehicles (cars, locomotives, rail motor tractors, cars) and around 287 cars for the carriage of goods. With 1380 employees in 1989, OCBN made possible the movement of 1 137 000 passengers and 382 229 tones of cargo. Its situation is not very brilliant and after over a decade of neglect without convincing answers nor obvious interests from both States in the recent past for this valuable tool of transportation. The organization has sunk into a perilous apathy that the new management team seems to be willing to contain by prompt actions. But the damage to equipment and railways are such that it will take a lot of determination and authorities’ faith into the benefits to be drawn for the economical development so that the previous prosperity of rails could be restored and the Niger’s railways project could get connected with the OCBN network can be attractive to invertors.

Léon BRATHIER
Translated by Alfred Cossi CHODATON
alf2chod@yahoo.fr

Benin Politics : VOTERS’ REGISTRY COMPUTERIZATION

2009-03-06T10:05:00.000+01:00

Tough political battles in National Assembly on the LEPI are predicted

THERE IS APPREHENSION ABOUT FIERCE BATTLES IN THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY OVER THE VOTERS’ REGISTRY COMPUTERIZATION PROJECT (IN FRENCH, LISTE ELECTORALE PERMANENTE INFORMATISÉE: LEPI) AS TWO PROPOSED BILLS HAVE BEEN INTRODUCED TO THE SPEAKER OF THE PARLIAMENT ON THE SAME LAW.

The first proposal has been made by the MP Karimou Chabi SIKA, member of the ruling FCBE and the second, by the MP Epiphane QUENUM, member of the RB which belongs to the G4 alliance.

The LEPI aims at improving the Benin electoral system which has been manual and subject to controversies till now. Since the beginning of the democratic era in Benin, almost all the elections (local, general or presidential) that took place in the country ended up in acrimonious disputes. It is why in order to avoid a potential electoral crisis each side of political landscape, the Government and the opposition are eager to have the LEPI for the 2011 presidential contest.

However, as each side is willing to have a tight hold of the process, the issue has now become a highly sensitive subject. Of course, there are some common grounds in the two bills but are also divergences.

The mainly contentious issue is likely to be the composition and prerogatives of the body (MINERA) which will conduct the LEPI implementation.

While the first bill suggests a body dominated by politicians, the second one favors a body which is politically neutral and is made up of personalities endowed with special expertise.

The MP Chabi SIKA proposed that the number of the MINERA members is fifteen (15), three (03) members appointed by the Head of State, nine (09) by the National Assembly as each parliamentarian group will have to provide at least one (01) member in order to assure the representativeness of all factions, two (02) by the Civil Society, one (01) by SAP/CENA.

His counterpart, MP Epiphane QUENUM that the MINERA is made up of nine (09) members, one (01) judge, one (01) demographer, one (01) sociologist, one (01) specialist of Information Technology, one (01) statistician, a mapping specialist, and one (01) election specialist.

QUENUM’s bill also provides an Executive Committee composed of three members to oversee the MINERA. The committee’s President will be appointed by the Head of State, by an executive order on the advice of Supreme Court President. The second should be an accountant manager, a secretary reporter appointed by their peers.

Apart from the composition of MINERA, there may be differences in the phases for the LEPI implementation. In fact, before the computerization of voters’ registry, some preparatory operations have to be performed mainly an electoral census.

According to the bill introduced the Speaker of the National Assembly by MP Chabi SIKA, there are three steps to follow, for this census to be conducted successfully: an electoral map need to be drawn up, the count house by house of the population aged from ten (10) has to be done and finally personal, individual and digital data of the electorate will be recorded.

The MP Epiphane QUENUM figures out five steps to follow regarding the census: electoral mapping, electoral census of the population aged from fourteen (14), electoral registration, LEPI implementation and delivery of electoral card.

Regarding the supervision of these preparatory operations, the MP Chabi SIKA suggests it is done by a National Committee for Technical Supervision (in French Comité National de Supervision technique: CNST) which acts under the MINERA, while the MP Epiphane QUENUM thinks due to the need for technical and professional skills and competences in the drawing up the electoral map, it would advisable to have professional organizations with evident experiences at the national level to oversee them.

Anyway, these two drafts definitely show the willingness of each side to see the LEPI be implemented. Nevertheless, a successful outcome requires some conditions.

First of all, considering the past experiences of election in Benin and the results obtained previously by the CENA, it might be better those intuitions which are politically neutral supervise the different operations. If this important issue of politicization is not fully considered, those institutions may have to work in difficult conditions knowing the bitter rivalries and mistrust between the different camps.

Another factor may cause the failure of the process is the inability on part of each side to make compromises.

Alfred Cossi CHODATON
alf2chod@yahoo.fr

Benin Politics : CONTROVERSY OVER ESCORT DUTIES

2009-03-03T18:44:00.000+01:00

Government's clarifications on tax income derived from the escort

ON THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 2009 AT THE MINISTRY IN CHARGE OF PUBLIC ACTION PROSPECTIVE AND ASSESSMENT, TEN (10) MINISTERS HELD A PRESS CONFERENCE TO EXPLAIN HOW THE GOVERNMENT HAS BEEN MANAGING TAX REVENUES COLLECTED FROM TRANSPORTERS OF SECONDHAND CARS IN TRANSIT TO NEIGHBORING COUNTRIES.

This conference has been held amidst claims over mismanagement of tax income collected by the Government as escort duty from secondhand cars dealers.

Importance of escort duties in Benin economy

Benin as a coastal land is a strategic place for transport of goods, mainly secondhand cars, in transit to neighboring countries such as Burkina-Faso, Niger, Mali, Chad and even Nigeria. The transit of secondhand vehicles has been a very lucrative business both for individuals and for the State.

The Benin Customs escorts the vehicles in transit to neighboring countries till borders and collects for each car a duty worth 210.000 cfa francs instead of 350.000 cfa francs since the escort's control has been taken away from private companies that used to run it under the previous regime. Cutting escort duty aims at making Cotonou Port more competitive.

According to the figures released by the Minister in charge of Public Action Prospective and Assessment, Pascal Irénée KOUKPAKI the amounts of receipts earned from escort by the Government was forty six (46) billions cfa francs at the end of the year 2008.

Accusations from political adversaries over escort duties mismanagement

Since Boni YAYI took over power in March 2006, there have always been allegations over mismanagement of the escort duties which would be spent to finance the Government's program of loans to the poor; but what prompted this press conference was the recent statement from MP, Issa SALIFOU who at the UNDP convention in Bohicon on Saturday, February 21, 2009 made accusations about the way income derived from secondhand cars business is managed. According to him, even though the management, which was made about this State revenue under the former regime of Mathieu KEREKOU, was not transparent; what has been happening presently is worst for this tax income under the current regime is not budgeted.

Government's clarifications

Mr. KOUKPAKI talks about the Government's effort to appraise and improve the State assets

« In April 2006, let me remind you, the economical and financial state of our country was difficult. Remember, the Head of Sate has instructed the Government to appraise the State assets. In this process of State assets appraisal, we had to deal with State expenditures but also with the State incomes. We had to consider all options to increase the State incomes, combat frauds and recover unpaid taxes. »

How were escort duties formerly managed?

«When it comes to business of secondhand cars in transit to neighboring countries, we tried to find out how it works. We asked the Head of National Treasury questions and, I can assure you, the answers that we got were not satisfying for the figures regarding this business were not really available…. » In fact, under the former regime of Mathieu KEREKOU, private companies controlled the vehicle escort and there was a lot of opacity surrounding its management. At the time, media, Civil Society and even ordinary citizens had always regretted the huge looting of public resources.

Mr. KOUKPAKI went further to say « when the current Government took over in 2006, it inherited from the previous Government, a budget whose bill was passed in the National Assembly in 2005 and which did not consider the escort duties…»

How are escort duties managed now under the current regime?

«Therefore, we have recorded these receipts progressively as resources to finance the State budget. There are two ways of recording these receipts either as fiscal resources or non fiscal. It depends on the nature of the resources. Here, it just means that these resources are being used to finance the budget deficit. From State finance point of view, it does not make sense to say that escort receipts have financed some activities. If you go the National Treasury today and ask for the receipts records, you will find these resources. »

« An account had been opened by not a Minister but by the Head of National Treasury. This account had already been opened before the State took charge of the secondhand cars business management. So, it is not a special account; it is not an account that has specially been opened for this purpose. This account is named deposit account; that is the name the Head of National Treasury has given to the account which records the budgetary assistance provided to us by our partners. This account also records debts cancellations, since Benin has been a beneficiary of debts cancellations…When the Head of Custom deposits the resources derived from escort in the Central Bank in the account I have just talked to you about, he is given a form which recorded the operation and one copy of this form is sent to the National Treasury, one to the Ministry of Finance so that he might be aware of this deposit. Periodically, there have been confrontations between the Head of Custom and the Head of National Treasury. A report is made on these confrontations whose copy is forwarded to the Minister of Finance. Therefore, traceability of these resources is recorded in the State accounting system and the Central Bank sends a statement about all these operations relating to this account to the Head of National Treasury. One copy of this statement is sent to me. I can assure you that the Head of Customs has never been aware I receive this document. This allows me to have him under scrutiny. This is part all Finance Ministry's tasks. It does mean there is a problem of trust. You know, control is necessary and it helps consolidate trust…»

What about microfinance?

« The Government did not mean specifically identified resources should serve to provide money for the National Microfinance Fund …We have a national microfinance policy, an instrument to finance the poor, a microfinance governance body, a Head of Microfinance. And the program has been financed by national resources from National Treasury. I have heard that it is not budgeted. This might lead to believe there is not traceability of it. I made sure it was budgeted and since I left the Minister of Finance, my successor has been doing it the same way. If you go and see the BCEAO accounts, you will find the records of it in the bank's accounting system. This could be seen as credits of the Treasury to national microfinance fund. The National Treasury by doing so is assuming its role of State banker and it has the prerogatives to perform these operations as long as they have been approved by the Government and by the Finance Minister…»

On this issue, the Microfinance Minister, Reckya MADOUGOU also talked to the journalists in order to make her points. According to her, the loans have been given to the people on the base of objective criteria which have nothing to do with ethnical or political background. The Government does not give the loans directly on the ground but the microcredit has been provided to population through specialized institutions.

The Government assures that choice of beneficiaries is made objectively. It has also put in place investigatory missions to find out the way the operations have been performed throughout the country.

Apart from the Minister in charge of Public Action Perspectives and Assessment and the one in charge of Microfinance, the Justice Minister, Victor TOKPANOU, the Economy and Finance Minister, Soulé Mana LAWANI and, the Secondary, Technical and Professional Education Minister, Bernad Lani DAVO condemned what according to them is a campaign intending to misinform and mislead the people.

The Government hopes to clear the allegations over escort receipts mismanagement by this press conference and refocus the debate on the need for an objective policy about microfinance.

At the National Assembly, on Friday, January 23, 2009 an Inquiry Commission was set up to investigate the program of loans to the poor.

On Sunday, March 1, 2009 the G13 alliance also held a press conference to outline the fact that, according to them, there have been contradictions between Mr. KOUKPAKI's statement and a letter sent earlier to the National Assembly by the Finance Minister, in which has declared the escort receipts have been serving to provide resources for the Microfinance Fund. The G13 asked for a report of an official investigation made by a body (Inspection Général d'Etat) which acts under the Head of State's authority.

Alfred Cossi CHODATON
alf2chod@yahoo.fr

Benin Politics : WHERE IS BONI YAYI HEADING?

2009-02-26T16:54:00.000+01:00

Will the strategy of division and bribery work in the end?

NOW BONI YAYI, A MAN WHO WAS ELECTED WITH MORE THAN 75% OF THE VOTE FAVORABLE TO HIM AND AT THE BEGINNING OF HIS TERM HAD ENJOYED TREMENDOUS SUPPORT FROM THE POLITICAL PARTIES AS WELL AS FROM THE ORDINARY CITIZENS, IS CONFINED TO A STRATEGY OF DIVISION AND BRIBERY TO SECURE A SECOND TERM IN OFFICE.

Definitely the days, when demonstrations were staged throughout the whole country on almost a daily base by Boni YAYI’s supporters are over. Two years ahead of the 2011 presidential contest, the beninese political landscape is once more changing forever.

Almost three years ago, when the current Head of State took over from his predecessor, after he won the 2006 presidential race by getting 75% of the vote, the political landscape was shacked. For the first time in Benin's history and since the beginning of the democratic era, someone who did not formerly belong to the traditional political scene, someone that was unknown for many few months ago, had become an elected Head of State.

Boni YAYI, therefore, had enjoyed a lot of sympathy and even his contender in the second round of 2006 presidential elections, Mr. Adrien HOUNGBEDJI was hesitant to declare that he and his party, the PRD, intended to assume the opposition role.

How has the presidential camp isolate itself?

The opposition against Boni YAYI actually started within his own camp. His refusal to hand over the management of Dantokpa market to the Cotonou municipality, the unsuccessful attempt from the ruling FCBE to take hold of Cotonou municipality through the March 2008 local elections and the direct verbal assaults of some FCBE members on the Cotonou Mayor, the former Head of State, Nicéphore SOGLO are among others the main reasons that pushed the party Ranaissance du Bénin (RB) into the opposition.

It was not at all a coincidence that the first declaration of the G4 was made public almost at the same time on Wednesday, February 12, 2008. The RB is apparently one of the initiators of the G4 which is made up, apart from the RB, of the PSD, the MADEP and the PRD. The RB, the PSD and the MADEP supported Boni YAYI in the second round of the 2006 presidential race but all of them are right now conducting an increasingly virulent opposition against him.

Division as a strategy

To this situation, Boni YAYI has responded with a strategy aiming at dividing these different parties.

In the RB, the Minister, Ganiou SOGLO has been doing all he can to make the party divided inciting controversial statements from parliamentarians such as Epiphane QUENUM and Justine CHODATON.

In the PRD, Mathias GBEDAN who was few days ago the Vice-Chairman of the party is now a FCBE member. His resignation from the party has allowed him to reach an arrangement with the ruling FCBE which is dominant in the municipal council to secure the renewal of his seat of Sème-Kpodji Mayor.

In the PSD, some parliamentarians have been threatening to resign from the party while, in the MADEP which voiced its willingness not to take part in the Government, two of its members are appointed ministers without the party's approval.

Bribery as a strategy

Issa SALIFOU, a parliamentarian who belongs to the G13 at the UNDP's convention in Bohicon on Saturday, February 21, 2009, made about the Government of Boni YAYI serious accusations alleging that huge amounts of funds have been spent by Ministers to bribe some members of the National Assembly: « I assure you today that at the National Assembly, when there is a bill to be passed by vote, they spend in terms of millions and billions to press people; it's huge…»

Similar accusations of malpractice, corruption and bribery were made few days earlier by the PSD Chairman, Mr. Bruno AMOUSSOU: « Nobody can be proud of a Parliament …where money becomes the engine, not sneakily but uncoveredly rewarding for the stand. The fact that some members of the State Government walk around in the National Assembly's corridors or settle in rooms with bags full of money in search for a MP to take hold of is heartbreaking …» That practice was common under the former regime though they have never been confirmed by an official investigation.

All these accusations have been made against a Government leaded by someone that had raised so much hope. If those accusations were to be confirmed, it would be a serious setback to people who fought Mathieu KEREKOU, expecting Boni YAYI's rise in power could mean change for the better in the way public affairs were handled.

Which legacy has Boni YAYI been leaving behind?

On good governance front, Boni YAYI had promised to restore ethics in Benin politics and help combat corruption. Many came to believe in him and supported him because of this commitment he made but now they are disenchanted as nothing has happened the way they had expected.

Of course, Boni YAYI, at the beginning of his term sacked some of his Ministers but never disclosed the reasons behind the dismissals. A part from these dismissals, nothing has seriously been done to fight corruption.

Instead, according to different allegations, the same malpractice has never disappeared in the handling of public affairs. Even some members of the ruling FCBE who are parliamentarians have come under severe accusations of wrongdoings and embezzlement of public funds. Till now, nothing serious has been done about these cases.

Now there are accusations that some of his Ministers have been involved in bribery in broad daylight in the National Assembly.

Regarding national unity, he had promised to unit the country especially the political forces behind him and mobilize the people for the Nation's development but the facts on the ground now prove he has not yet succeeded, to say the least. Instead, he himself has alienated the supports of all the parties that rallied behind him in the second term of 2006 presidential contest. Today, the political arena and event the whole country are divided than ever before.

In fact, on the national unity front, the nation seems to be weakened today. It is as if the politicians are rewarded for being disloyal to their parties. For example, the Sème-Kpodji's Mayor, Mathias GBEDAN was given the seat because he had resigned from the PRD's chairmanship.

On the decentralization front, he had promised to promote local good governance however the facts are different. Because of his political foxiness, he refused to give up the Dantokpa market. Why? Why did Boni YAYI not want and will he not want to hand over the market's management to the City Council? The handing over of this market's management to the City Council would have been a proof of its commitment to local good governance, to decentralization. It would have also helped the speedy development of Cotonou city.

All these analysis leads to the conclusion that Boni YAYI has not distant himself from his predecessor who used to divide, weaken and oppose the parties by the same strategies of bribery and manipulation.

The promised change is yet to be delivered.

Can he secure a second term in office?

Right now, Boni YAYI and his camp seem very isolated on the political landscape. He is now divorced with the MADEP, the PSD, the RB and the Force Clé. Moreover, Mathieu KEREKOU, who is said to still have a lot of influence and especially have close ties with the G13 and Bio TCHANE, a potential contender for the 2011 presidential race, seems annoyed by the released of Reckya MADOUGOU's book. Some members of the Civil Society also appear less enthusiastic with him. It is the case now with the Professor Roger GBEGNOVI who recently rejected an appointment as special advisor to the Head of State after he himself had said on TV that he would be willing to hold such a position. Even within his own party, FCBE, there are voices expressing their disapproval about his policy.

It is unlikely that if the situation remains as it is right now, Boni YAYI would be able secure a second term in office.

Alfred Cossi CHODATON
alf2chod@yahoo.fr

Benin Politics : SURPRISING STATEMENT FROM JANVIER YAHOUEDEOU

2009-02-24T18:15:00.000+01:00

Can Boni YAYI still counts on Janvier YAHOUEDEOU?

IN A SPEECH DELIVERED AT THE UNDP CONVENTION ON SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2009, IN BOHICON, JANVIER YAHOUEDEOU WHO IS A RULING FCBE'S LEADING MEMBER, AN ADVISOR AND A CLOSE ASSOCIATE TO BONI YAYI, WERE MUCH CRITICAL ABOUT THE HEAD OF STATE. IT WAS AN EVENT THAT COULD NOT GO UNNOTICED.

YAHOUEDEOU had to speak after the MP Issa SALIFOU who made different accusations against the Government. Among other accusations, Issa SALIFOU said: « I assure you today that at the National Assembly, when there is a bill to be passed by vote, they spend in terms of millions and billions to press people; it's huge…»

Then YAHOUEDEOU had the floor to speak. And here is what he said: « When listening to the MP Issa SALIFOU, for someone like I who had fought KEREKOU for ten years, my conscience can only be summoned. Today as a FCBE member, near the Head of State, I am shocked by what I have been hearing for awhile and particularly about what I have heard regarding car business. I promise you, especially in the presence of my political hero, President ZINSOU that I will do my own investigations. And if there were a single accusation made by the MP Saley which happened to be true, I promise, to the people of Benin, that I would fight Boni YAYI's regime to the end. I spent ten years of my life fighting Mathieu KEREKOU. I lost part of my fortune. I put my life at risk. I was under the threat to be imprisoned. I desired change, not a change in the looting of the national economy. If a single word is true, the opposition will register one of the most virulent of its members.

I would like to invent the Honorary Chairman and all members of the UNDP to record Voters' Register Computerization Project (in French Liste Electorale Permanente Informatisée: LEPI) as one of the main issues on this convention’s agenda. For awhile, we have been hearing about the feasibility of the LEPI for 2011presidential contest. No serious citizen may reject the LEPI? We all want the LEPI. However, we do not want a LEPI that will lead us to war. We need to think twice. We can proceed with implementing the LEPI. Nevertheless it does not mean that without the LEPI we will not hold the elections even if it is not totally transparent, although there are cases of theft. Why the fuss, the precipitation and the media campaign which intends to say: LEPI or nothing else. What does the Head of State, who is in office right now; fear? He came to power in a transparent manner. Why does he fear that by 2011 there will be problem if there is no LEPI? ……»

According to an article which was published in one of the local media on Tuesday, February 24, 2009, a meeting was convened by the party's leaders to listen to him. Janvier YAHOUEDEOU did not retract. He maintained his criticisms and assumed the entire responsibility for his statement. He brilliantly defended himself arguing that the experts' report on the LEPI may lead the country to chaos. And in that case, the Head of State will have to be held accountable. Even other influential members of the ruling FCBE agreed with him. Anyway, Janvier YAHOUEDEOU is someone that has to be under scrutiny.

Alfred Cossi CHODATON
alf2chod@yahoo.fr

Benin Politics : BONI YAYI AND ALBERT TEVOEDJRE

2009-02-24T18:09:00.000+01:00

Albert TEVOEDJRE handing over his report to Boni YAYI appeared apprehensive

DURING A CEREMONY THAT TOOK PLACE AT THE PRESIDENTIAL OFFICE, THE PALAIS DE MARINA ON THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2009, THE PROFESSOR ALBERT TEVOEDJRE APPEARED APPREHENSIVE AS HE WAS DISCLOSING THE CONTENT OF THE REPORT ON THE PRESIDENTIAL BODY FOR MEDIATION (IN FRENCH ORGANE PRESIDENTIEL DE MEDIATION : OPM).

By a presidential order, the Body was set up as a substitute to the Mediator of Republic which does not exist right now in Benin for the 1990 Constitution makes no provision for it.

It was a report, made up of one hundred and seventy eight (178) pages touching on the evolution of the body, its 2007 and 2008 assessments, its challenges and prospects, which was handed over to the Head of State by the Professor. In his speech, the OPM's Head disclosed some figures about the activities of the body. Till now, 829 cases have been introduced to the OPM, 232 in 2007, 541 in 2008 and 56 in 2009. Among these cases of conflicts between the civil service and the citizens, 500 have been resolved successful through amicable action.

For both men, the Professor and the Head of States, these figures speak for themselves and there is no doubt the Mediator of Republic is an urgent priority.

However beyond the significance of this ceremony, many observers in the media have tried to make analysis about some of the words which appeared in the Professor's speech and about what they may mean behind the scene.

“By responding positively to your generous appeal, I have promised, Mr. President, my humble and devoted contribution as long as my health, that the Providence holds in its hands, allows me to serve my country….But, it is true that I have been walking and going forward, without illusion, into the dusk of my life…”

Albert TEVOEDJRE, the fox

Such a statement from a cute man, like the Professor Albert TEVOEDJRE, may mean more than what it says. Albert TEVOEDJRE, nicknamed the fox is an octogenarian, a politician well-known to be good at catching the mood of the people. And this ability has always allowed him to find himself on the right side of the political landscape.

In 1996, he was among the first politicians to predict Mathieu KEREKOU's victory. In 2006, he did the same with Boni YAYI. He therefore is someone that can always feel what the ordinary citizens think and act consequently.

It is in this sense that many see the statement he made during the ceremony. Might his statement mean a negative apprehension on his part for his friend for 2011 presidential contest? Might it mean that he wants to quit the boat before it capsizes?

Albert TEVOEDJRE knows very well that many of the indicators are not good for the current Head of State who has to face an increasing hostile opposition from the G and F.

Discontentment in TEVOEDJRE's party

Another reason that might help explains TEVOEDJRE's statement is the disenchantment in his party, PNE (Parti National Ensemble) whose executive committee met on Saturday, February 21, 2009 in Avrankou.

During the session, some members of the party's executive committee openly voiced their dissatisfaction. In fact, since March 2008, the party, responding to an appeal made by Boni YAYI to all the political forces supporting him, has been engaged in an alliance with the ruling FCBE. Nevertheless, according to many members of the executive committee, there is still lack of trust between FCBE and PNE.

On Tuesday 27th of January 2009, when the bill on the Mediator of Republic were to be passed in the National Assembly, the ruling FCBE joined forces with opposition parties to postpone the debate. The postponement was viewed by many as a personal setback to the Professor.
Therefore, in the party, there are hardliners who are eager to put an end to their partnership with the ruling FCBE.

Nevertheless YAYI still holds fast to TEVOEDJRE

Boni YAYI does not want the Professor to turn his back on him:

“Despite your age, I can not till now do without your competence and your enriched and long experience to go on managing the Institution of dialogue and social justice that is the Presidential Body for Mediation”

Boni YAYI is also aware that he still needs to have Albert TEVOEDJRE on his side.

Alfred Cossi CHODATON
alf2chod@yahoo.fr

Benin Politics : CONTROVERSY OVER MADOUGOU’S FIRST BOOK

2009-02-19T13:42:00.000+01:00

Beninese Minister of Microfinance is facing a controversy over her first book

THE BOOK WAS RELEASED IN PARIS AT SOFITEL ARC DE TRIOMPHE FRIDAY, JANUARY 30, 2009 THEN IN COTONOU AT MARINA HOTEL ON FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2009 BUT NOW IS RAISING CONTROVERSY AS FORMER PRESIDENT, MAJOR GENERAL MATHIEU KEREKOU WHO IS SEVERELY CRITICIZED IN THE BOOK AND HIS RELATIVES ARE SAID TO BE VERY ANGRY AGAINST NOT ONLY THE MINISTER BUT ALSO AGAINST HER BOSS.

The main issue of the book is «the challenges of the people’s mobilization for the promotion of democratic good governance». The book’s title in French is “Mon combat pour la parole” which may be translated as “My struggle for the floor”.
In her book, she describes her fight for the promotion of good governance. Reckya MADOUGOU is known to be one of the majors actors involved in the beninese Civil Society’s combat against the third term of Mathieu KEREKOU in office. Her posters on which it was written ‘Do not touch my constitution!’ had helped mobilize the people against the attempt of the regime to amend the 1990 constitution.
By writing this book, she intends to serve as a model for the african women and in general for the african people who are engaged in the fight for good governance on the continent.
On Friday, February 13, 2009 during the ceremony of the book’s release in Cotonou, at Marina Hotel, the first copy sold was worth 27.200.000 cfa francs while in bookshops it could be bought 8.000 cfa francs. The release was enthusiastically welcome by the folks. Among the most distinguished guests who attended the ceremony were the Ambassador of Netherland, the President of Benin’s Chamber of Commerce and different members of the Civil Society.
However, the book does not please everybody. Especially, the former Head of State seems to be much annoyed by what his friends and supporters see as allegations and lies intending to dirty his reputation. It is as if they see the hands of the government behind the book. And the attempts of the Government to distant itself from the controversy has so far been unsuccessful.
Some local news paper wrote about different Boni YAYI’s envoys who had been sent to calm down the former Head of State in vain.

In an article published in daily news paper on February 16, 2009, Modeste KEREKOU, a former MP who is the son of Mathieu KEREKOU, talking about Reckya MADOUGOU’s book and its content accused her of ill faith, mentioned irrelevances, allegations, evil intention to discredit his father, self-conceit, self-praise and misguided comparison of the regime of his father and the current regime which, according to him, the book contains:
« “My struggle for the floor” is the pompous title of the book. The era Miss MADOUGOU, the Minister has decided to make her analysis upon is one from 2003 to 2006. Dear compatriots, was freedom of expression suppressed during this period in our country? And even beyond that, let me go back to 1996, the year which marked the return of President KEREKOU in office. From 1996 to 2006 during the two (02) terms of my father, was freedom of expression confiscated or restrained in our country? Has there been a single prisoner of conscience or a political prisoner in our country during this period? [..] That period and the one we live right now in, which of these two deserves the fight for freedom of expression? Which of these periods is characterized by promotion of intolerance, public and private media muzzling, obscure deals and bargains, pressures of all kinds, state terrorism, disrespect for balance of power between state institutions, and simply the denial of democracy? I leave upon everybody the responsibility according to his experience of these two eras to answer sincerely. ..»
«Democracy is not arrogance or contempt. Political adversity can not be freed from morality and respect for human dignity. Membership of a government is not a license to insult and slander…»

Media also wrote about a possible legal action against the Minister.

In a communiqué released by PRPB which was the ruling party under the military regime of Mathieu KEREKOU called for the resignation of Reckya MADOUGOU.

In fact, the former President is said to still have a lot of influence on the political scene and Boni YAYI surely does not want him to turn his back on him at a time when he is faced with challenging hostilities from an opposition which is getting increasing dominant.
Another worrisome situation to the current President is the behavior of Bio TCHANE who has been his successor as the head of West African Development Bank (in French Banque Ouest Africaine de Développement: BOAD). Bio TCHANE is from the Northern West region of the country and may turn out to be an obstacle to him in his quest for second term in office. Bio TCHANE’s candidacy may erode his electors. Boni YAYI, to win the 2011 presidential contest, needs to assure the total support of the North which is his most important fiefdom.
According to rumors, Mathieu KEREKOU and Bio TCHANE who are both from the same region have close ties. Moreover, the coalition of G13 which seems to support Bio TCHANE’s candidacy for the March 2011 presidential race also has ties with Mathieu KEREKOU.

Alfred CHODATON
alf2chod@yahoo.fr

Benin Politics : LETTER TO MODESTE KEREKOU

2009-02-19T13:27:00.000+01:00

Adrien AHANHANZO’s response to the former Honorable MP, Modeste KEREKOU

PUBLISHED IN THE DAILY NEWS PAPER “LA NOUVELLE TRIBUNE” ON FEBRUARY 16, 12009, THE LETTER REJECTS THE ACCUSATIONS OF MODESTE KEREKOU AGAINST RECKYA MADOUGOU.

Modeste, my dear friend, you are a witness to the esteem and sympathy that we have for one each. I discovered later that the blood of King BEHANZIN was flowing through your veins. So how could one wonder this blood appeal for AHANHANZO was the senior brother of Prince KONDO!

They forced me, this esteem and this sympathy, to put to you just a few lines about your media release on the weekend to mark the publication of the excellent book of the excellent Reckya MADOUGOU and about the too little that she tells about your father, President Mathieu KEREKOU.

Your attitude was inappropriate: you are far too young to know the whole political history of Dahomey and Benin in which your father and too few Dahomeans and Beninese have been involved. The October 2, 1972 was not the beginning, and yet it is a day already 37 years old. How old were you, 37 years ago? How old were you, all these “daddy’s boys" who want to rewrite history? All Beninese who were 13 years old at the time, otherwise, are 50 years old today, and who constitute the most important portion of the administrative staff of our government, are not even able to know, therefore to tell, therefore to take a stand.

Then Reckya MADOUGOU said nothing of the essential: the Essential happens when all those who write a book, and I am part of them, will deliver the fruits of their experience. It is indispensable, the duty of memory, it was essential to give the time, time to settle all the unhappy memories of the inevitable subjectivity. But make no mistake: We will write the history of Dahomey and Benin, and everyone will have the opportunity to assess which sufferings some Dahomeans were subjected to by other Dahomeans, simply because of disagreement over ideas, methods, and strategies.

Those who have suffered do not cultivate nor spread hatred. There is even no bitterness in their hearts! They are aware, more than others, of the destructive capacity the hideous beast that lies dormant within each of us. That is why, although they have forgiven, they refuse to forget, in order to maintain the waking state that allowed us from 2004 to 2006, among others, to oppose, PACIFICALLY, the revision of the constitution.

It is essential that Benin take hold of its history, all its history, even the darkest pages of this history, as all major countries of the world did, France, Germany, Japan and son on. We are mature enough to do so. We must move forward.

Mathieu KEREKOU knows better than anyone, the need for all his people to remain silent and to take low-profile ... Then daddy's boy, easy-easy please!

Translated by Alfred CHODATON
alf2chod@yahoo.fr

Benin Politics : A GLANCE AT THE FEBRUARY 1990 NATIONAL CONFERENCE

2009-02-17T10:22:00.000+01:00

The closing speech delivered by the President Mathieu KEREKOU

ON WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 1990 AFTER ALBRET TEVOEDJRE HAD RELEASED THE REPORT ON THE OUTCOME THE CONFERENCE, THE HEAD OF STATE, THE PRESIDENT MATHIEU KEREKOU IN A HIGHLY TENSED ATMOSPHERE, STATED HIS SPEECH IN THESE WORDS:

Firmly resolved to fulfill the essential requirements of the new history of our young nation, and to promote a genuine renew democratic era that can ensure the happy combination of all possibilities and all the creative energies of our people, to stem the crisis and ensure the recovery of the national economy through the implementation of our victorious Structural Adjustment Program, we take all our responsibilities knowingly by inviting representatives of all the forces of our country, regardless of their political tendencies at a national conference to set through dialogue, consultation and consensus a framework for a consistent and constructive dynamic up to the legitimate and profound aspirations of the beninese people as a whole.

Nine days, day and night, the sound echoes of your broad and deep debate broadcast live on our radio and TV stations have allowed the national, african and international communities to be aware of the concerns and solutions advocated by one another in this room.

In this sitting of the official closure of the national conference, we would like to thank and congratulate all the delegates who have spared neither their strengths nor their health to ensure that the deadlock is avoided and that the expectations of Benin's people are not disappointed. Also we would like to tell you once again how much we appreciate the enthusiasm with which you have massively responded to our call and the zeal with which you have worked continuously for nine days and often late into the night. We would also like to congratulate especially our Presidium and especially the pious man who presided over your work, His Excellency Archbishop Isidore de SOUZA here. We pay a heartfelt tribute to his courage, his patience, sensitivity and firmness, and especially for his insight and foresight, all qualities rare among the common people, qualities with which he was able to manage all the contradictions concentrated within the conference. All thanks go also to all former presidents that we do not, as far as I am concerned, as delegates to the conference, but our guests.

The renew democratic era, whose foundations you have laid down spent at the conference, paves the way for a new legitimacy in our country, Benin.

'To govern is to plan', someone else said . And that's why launching the start of the conference, Monday 19 February 1990, we said that we were fully aware of the consequences and all the implications that follow from your work. We are not surprised and we are calm because we knew it was going to happen the way it has happened, but in a more respectful way than what we had experienced at certain times. Thank God, the solution was found thanks to the chairman of the presidium.

Today Wednesday 28 February 1990, we call on the entire people of Benin to bear witness to us and affirm our commitment to implement in a realistic manner, all decisions taken at the National Conference of the Active Forces of the Nation.

Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen, for the sake of the nation and the beninese people as a whole, we say that the decisions taken by the conference will be applied in the order and discipline freely consented. This is not defeatism, it is not capitulation, it is a matter of national responsibility.

Translated by

Alfred Cossi CHODATON
alf2chod@yahoo.fr

Benin Politics : FUTURE OF BENIN'S DEMOCRACY

2009-02-17T10:16:00.000+01:00

If only the G4 could not be just an illusion, Benin's democracy would be improved!

SINCE THE 1991, THE PERMANENT AND CONSTANT DIVISION OF THE POLITICAL PARTIES HAS ALWAYS ALLOWED INDIVIDUAL LEADERS TO OUTGROW THEM. THIS IS TRUE ABOUT NICEPHORE SOGLO, MATHIEU KEREKOU AND BOIN YAYI. COULD THIS TREND BE STOPPED BY THE EMERGING FORCE THAT G4 HAS BECOME ON THE BENIN POLITICAL LANDSCAPE?

The bitter rivalries opposing the parties have always allowed the rise of powerful figures outside the traditional political landscape. It is why the late roundup of major political parties such as PRD, PSD, MADEP and RB, which previously had been fighting one another since the beginning of the democratic era, is seen as a change looming on horizon; change which might allow the political parties in the future fully to play their role.

Rise of G4

The year 2008 has marked a turning point on the Benin's political landscape. On Wednesday, March 12, 2008, PRD, PSD, MADEP and RB all came together with other political parties to vent their grievances about President Boni YAYI's handling of the country's affairs. From November 28 to 29, 2008, during a meeting convened for the occasion in Abomey and Bohicon, the coalition of G4 again with G13, Force Clé and other political parties joined forces to voice their disapproval on the way public affairs have been dealt with since Boni YAYI came into office in April 2006, but this time, took everybody by surprise by expressing their willingness to provide a political alternative, to initiate a common policy of government and to fight to win together the next presidential elections schedule to take place in March 2011.

Vocation of political parties

One of the main features of democracy is accountability which implies that all elected leaders are to be accountable for their deeds in office to their partisans and voters. In multiparty system the elected leaders not only are accountable to the voters but also to their parties. Their parties hold dear some principles of government that they can not violate.

In 1996, PRD and PSD rallied behind Mathieu KEREKOU. Nevertheless shortly after his victory, Adrien HOUNGBEDJI had to resign with three ministers members of his party from the government. In 2006, RB supported Boni YAYI hoping that he would keep his promise and implement the decentralization act. Till now, the handing over of the needed resources to the municipality of Cotonou has not been done. Those examples demonstrate how in the Beninese democracy the Head of State appears to be above the political parties and is not accountable to them.

The inability of the political parties to fight and win the election on their own makes them dependent on individual figures that have nothing to do with any party line.

Therefore, the alliance of G4, if it could endure and face courageously its challenging contradictions, would lead to a significant breach in the recent Benin's history, automatically strengthen the political parties and enable them to make the rule of accountability work.

This will certainly help to put an end to rule of impunity for these individual figures are not accountable to any political parties.

How should G4 brace itself for 2011?

But failure on the part of different members of the alliance to put aside their resentment towards one another will definitely result in disillusionment.

The choice of candidate outside the alliance is not an option. As a consequence, the first thing is that the alliance of G4 needs to have a unique candidate chosen among the potential contenders of the member parties. It is very important that the candidate is a member of the alliance. That is the only way he can be made accountably to the G4.

The second thing is that the alliance needs to have a clear communication strategy. The ruling FCBE has always used the phrase “old ruling class” to talk about this alliance. What this alliance has to do is to avoid giving into that trap. The alliance has to convince the voters that it is not a roundup of vindictive losers seeking revenge but instead it is a coalition of leaders who want help improve the state of the Benin's democracy by allowing the political parties to play their role and the voters to chose leaders that are accountable to them.

If the alliance could do so, and provide change in government in 2011, this would be a major event in Benin politics since 1990. It would surely be the beginning of a new era which will be marked by the full participation of the political parties in the functioning of democracy.

Alfred Cossi CHODATON
alf2chod@yahoo.fr

Benin Politics : COMPUTERIZATION OF BENIN’S ELECTORAL SYSTEM

2009-02-12T16:04:00.000+01:00

Is a row about to break over the computerization of voters’ registry?

LEA HOUNKPE WHO IS THE COORDINATOR OF THE PERMANENT ADMINISTRATIVE SECRETARIAT (SAP) OF THE NATIONAL ELECTORAL AND INDEPENDENT COMMISSION (CENA), IN A PRESS CONFERENCE AT HER OFFICE ON MONDAY, DECEMBER 09, 2009, ADDRESSED THE ISSUE RELATING TO THE COMPUTERIZATION OF THE ELECTORAL SYSTEM AND REFERRING TO THE ELECTORAL ACT CLAIMED THE INSTITUTION SHE HEADS IS THE ONE QUALIFIED TO CARRY OUT THE TASK.

Beninese electoral system has been unreliable. It has been the subject of controversies. All the latest presidential, legislative or local elections held in Benin ended up in acrimonious disputes. The March 2008 local elections have been one of the most controversial ever organized in Benin. As the 2011 presidential contest is about two (02) years away from now and considering the previous post electoral wrangling, both local and international observers have been growing apprehensive and the entire political arena agrees upon the need for the computerization of voters’ registration in order to prevent a potential electoral crisis.

But so far the willingness of the Government to carry it out is yet to materialize.

Since KEREKOU era, the issue has been in discussion though its implementation has always been delayed and hampered because of partisan politics as each side of the political arena strives to take control of the process. Both the Government and the opposition are eager to have a tight hold on it.

In 2004 the attempt that was made by the Government of President Mathieu KEREKOU to carry out the computerization of voters’ registration, failed. When the former Minister, Alain ADIHOU who was in charge of the project addressed the parliamentarians on the issue, the National Assembly and the Permanent Administrative Secretariat questioned its prerogative to do the job. At the time, there was also the fear that the Government might be contriving a deceitful plan to allow Mathieu KEREKOU to have a third term in office.

In the end, the Constitutional Court ruling on a request introduced to it on the subject declared the move unconstitutional on 25th of January 2005. The decision of the Court was motivated by the fact that the Government was not qualified according to the Constitution to go ahead with the project without an appropriate electoral act.

Boni YAYI, since he is in office, has committed himself to make effective the computerization of the electoral system. In the process, he asked the European Commission and the United Nations Development Program to perform an assessment on the feasibleness of the computerization of the voters’ registry before the 2011 presidential elections.

The report on the assessment made by the UE and the UNDP was handed over to the Government on Wednesday, December 11, 2008. In the report, it is suggested that if the computerized voters’ registry had been to be available for the 2011 presidential race, its carrying out would have started on the 1st of December 2008.

During the best wishes ceremony for the 2009 New Year celebration at the Palais du Marina the President Boni YAYI while addressing the heads of the State Institutions and the members of the Civil Society, restated his commitment to implement the project. The new deadline that has been set for its starting is March 2009.

Nevertheless, even with this new deadline, the analysis in the media, the contentious and contradictory statements made by some parliamentarians and Civil Society militants and the claims of the Head of the SAP/CENA during her press conference raised doubt about the implementation of the computerization project before March 2011.

The Coordinator of SAP/CENA referred to the Act no. 2000-18 of January 03, 2001 in a first time and then to the article 46 of the Act no. 2007-25 of November 23, 2007 which lays down general rules on elections in the Republic of Benin, on the SAP/CENA’s Coordinator. She maintained that the SAP’s functions are, among others, the conservation of the CENA’s administrative memory, the recovery, the storage and the maintenance of the election records, the preparation of the preliminary draft budget for the elections.

She went on to add that “a part from the role of record manager assigned to the SAP, the former Minister has insisted on ‘computerization and/or annual update of the permanent voters’ registry by professional bodies whose competence is proven and on the need for this to be done by a competitive bidding’ which is under the same Act relating to the prerogatives of the institution whose head she is.”

The current Minister in charge of the relationships between the institutions, Baba BODY, on his part, seems to claim the same prerogatives as the SAP/CENA which is right now under the authority of the President, the Head of State. This is actually an attribution conflict that may delay further the process of computerization of the voters’ registry.

It is as if the scenario which took place in 2004, is going once again to take place. For in a case of a dispute over which institution should conduct the project, the matter has to be reported to the Constitutional Court. The Court might take weeks or even months before coming up with a decision. The current delay is therefore going be worsen by this row which at last may make impossible the computerization of the voters’ registry for the 2011 presidential race.

Nonetheless, there might still be a way out of this deadlock. The political arena may reach a compromise to resolve the row and allow the project to start before the deadline of March if the parliamentarians can put aside their potential differences on the issue and pass swiftly a draft amendment to the electoral act.

This amendment is supposed to indicate clearly which body is qualified to perform the task. It is why a seminar took place on Wednesday, February 11, 2009 at “Palais des Congrès” in Cotonou to brief the parliamentarians on the issue.

All the major actors of the political arena attended the seminar. Some of them even reacted to give their impression about the project:

The Parliamentarian Adrien HOUNGBEDJI, Chairman of PRD

"... We must move towards the computerized voters’ registry which will allow us to have transparent and fair elections. So we welcome the initiative to give substance to this project which was born under the 3rd legislature of the National Assembly. However, I think that this is not a race or a race against time. It is about setting up a necessary institution that can help meet the challenge of establishing a reliable voters’ registry on time and according to the standards. But the goal is not to necessarily implement the computerization of voters’ registry for 2011. It is good that all political actors are involved in the discussions and that its instrumentation by a part of the ruling class is avoided. Our presence here, all political tendencies together is the proof of the interest that everyone bears to the reliability of this voters’ registry…"

Bruno AMOUSSOU MP, Chairman of PSD

“I can assure you that all of us are unanimously convinced that we can not go on organizing elections the way we used to. It is time to begin a process that allows us to have a real electoral roll. Therefore, the current initiative, though late, is very relevant and I think everyone of us will strive to ensure that it can be completed before the elections of 2011. But the important thing is the body that has to be trusted with the exercise and can make credible the results. If we do it in any driving condition, it is likely that at the end, disputes will arise on both sides. So, the question of the body which will conduct the exercise is an important issue. I think there will probably be soon in the National Assembly, the first decisions that we will have to take…”

MP Antoine KOLAWOLE IDJI of MADEP

"We are already late. But it is better late than never. We are here to do it, to do it properly and help do so. We need to make a consensus that allows the computerization of the voters’ registry to consolidate democracy. You know, any kind of manipulation can be introduced in the system and that is what we do not want. The computerization of the voters’ registry which allows anyone to take hold of the voters whenever he or she wants is not a good one...”

Alfred Cossi CHODATON
alf2chod@yahoo.fr

Benin Politics : CHRONOLOGY OF EVENTS IN BENIN SINCE FEBRUARY 1990

2009-02-10T09:20:00.000+01:00

February 1990: Suspension of the Constitution

February 1990: Organization of the Conference of Active Forces of the Nation in Cotonou

March 1990: Creation of the High Council for the Republic (HCR)

March 12, 1990: Nicéphore SOGLO was appointed Prime Minister of Benin by the HCR

December 1990: Adoption by referendum of the proposed new constitution establishing a presidential system an

a multiparty system

February 02, 1991: Organization of the first legislative elections of the democratic era

March 24, 1991: Nicéphore SOGLO won the first presidential elections in the democratic era

June 07, 1993: Installation of the Constitutional Court

January 1994: devaluation at 50% of the CFA franc

March 28, 1995: Organization of the 2^nd general election

March 18, 1996: Mathieu KEREKOU won the second round of the presidential elections

June 07, 1998: Installation of the new Constitutional Court

March 30, 1999: 3^rd legislative elections

December 19, 2000: Adoption of two new electoral laws

February 15, 2001: Installation of the High Court of Justice

March 4, 2001: Organization of the first round of the 3^rd presidential elections

March 22, 2001: Organization of the second round of the 3^rd presidential elections won by Mathieu KEREKOU

reelected as President of the Republic

April 05, 2001: Swearing in of newly elected President, Mathieu KEREKOU

December 15, 2002: Organization of the first communal elections of the democratic era, after the Conference of the

Active Forces of the Nation in 1990

March 05, 2006: Organization of the first round of the 4^th presidential election

March 19, 2006: Organization of the second round of the 4^th presidential election won by Boni YAYI

April 06, 2006: Swearing in of newly elected President, Dr. Boni YAYI

Alfred Cossi CHODATON

alf2chod@yahoo.fr

Benin Politics : A LEGACY THAT NEEDS TO BE RETORED

2009-02-10T09:16:00.001+01:00

The19th anniversary of the National Conference of the Active Forces of the Nation

THIS MONTH, FEBRUARY 2009, BENIN IS TO CELEBRATE SOON THE ANNIVERSARY OF ITS CONFERENCE OF ACTIVE FORCES OF THE NATION WHICH HAS MARKED THE END OF SEVENTEEN (17) YEARS OF MILITARY AND REVOLUTIONARY RULE AND THE DEBUT OF A DEMOCRATIC ERA.
The Conference of Active Forces of the Nation took place from 19th to 28th of February 1990 and gathered four hundred and eighty eight (488) delegates from fifty one (51) political parties, different associations such as religious, professional and regional organizations including the Beninese of the diasporas.

The Conference had been convened by the Major General Mathieu KEREKOU, after months of civil unrest triggered by the economical crisis hitting the country; it was the worst crisis in decades. The Government of President Mathieu KEREKOU could not pay the salaries of the civil servants.

The military rule of Mathieu KEREKOU

Mathieu KEREKOU came to office on the 26th of October 1972 in a soldiery coup, after more than one decade of political instability marked by a succession of both military and civil governments.

In 1975, with the backing of the young elite, Marxism-Leninism was declared the official ideology of the State. Freedom of expression and multiparty system were banned.

In the late 80’s, the country’s economy was ruined. Mathieu KEREKOU therefore convened the Conference, in hope for a way to save the regime.

The Conference and its outcome

It was an unprecedented event in the history of the country when all Beninese were able to put their differences aside and let prevail consensus.

One unforgettable moment of the Conference was when Mathieu KEREKOU made his mea culpa and acknowledged his mistakes during the seventeen (17) years of military rule.

After sever criticisms of the regime of Mathieu KEREKOU and taking into consideration all the malpractice which plunged the country in a state of political, economical, social and cultural crisis, the delegates decided:

to put an end to Marxism-Leninism as a State ideology;

to install a transitional regime which should lead to the establishment of a democratic constitution;

to appoint a Prime Minister and a Legislative body for transitional period.

Mathieu KEREKOU who had been for the second time in power from 1996 to 2006, rule which left the country once more weak economically, politically and socially – the citizens of Benin had hoped that Boni YAYI, when in office would bring the nation under its feet and help unify the people. His rise had roused a lot of hopes and enthusiasms even in the political arena. In the second round of the 2006 presidential elections, the parties of RB, PSD and MADEP supported him.But, the reality since he is in office is quite different from what people had expected. Despite the apparent willingness of Boni YAYI to make this country an emerging nation, the momentum and the enthusiasm created by his rise are fading. Moreover, the country has been politically more divided than ever before as all the political arena is now focused on the preparation of the forthcoming elections scheduled for 2011.The parties of RB, PSD and MADEP which rallied behind him in the second round of 2006 race for presidency are opposed to him now. These three parties are now members of the alliance of G4 that intends to work for a change in 2011 presidential elections.Many analysts may see this situation as a predictable one. Nonetheless, things would be different, if the legacy of the Conference of Active Forces of the Nation could be restored.For this restoration, there is the need for a collective introspection of the ruling class in order to indentify the main causes behind the current deep division. In this process of restoration, the Head of State has a major role play.What should Boni YAYI do?Boni YAYI needs to talk to the hearts of Beninese. The Head of State is yet to find his own style, his own way of governing. The deceitful and crafty strategy consisting of attempts to divide, to oppose and to weaken the political parties that his predecessor had used to rule is now outdated. Such a strategy may be useful in a totalitarian regime but has little chance to work in a democratic nation that wants to become an emerging country.A more constructive dialogue based on trust and sincerity is what the Beninese need right now for the legacy of the Conference to be restored. It is the only way its 19th anniversary can be meaningful.Alfred Cossi CHODATON

On Tuesday 11th of December 1990, a democratic constitution was adopted allowing multiparty system and freedom of expression।

On Sunday 14th of March 1991, the former Prime Minister of the transitional period, Nicéphore SOGLO became the first democratic elected Head of State in Benin since 1972. A Legislative Assembly made up of sixty four (64) parliamentarians was also elected.

Almost two decades of multiparty democracy

Since then, the country has undergone two democratic transitions of power. The institutions have been able to function and avoid any major crisis. The oversight of Government by National Assembly has been effective. The Constitutional Court has been ruling over the issues relating to the constitution and its decisions have generally been abode by. Benin democracy has been viewed abroad as one of the most vibrant on the african continent.

Nevertheless, there is still a lot of challenges that all the leaders so far have failed to deal with successfully.

Challenges of the Beninese democracy

The country review report of APRM released in January 2008 has extendedly listed some of the factors which still constitute challenges to the Beninese.

Corruption
The problem of corruption remains a major one. Nicéphore SOGLO, when coming in office in 1991, promised to fight corruption. But after more than eighteen (18) years during which Mathieu KEREKOU came back in office and handed over power to Boni YAYI in 2006, little has been done to really combat corruption. Different scandals have been following one another. So far nothing has truly been done about the several cases of embezzlement of public funds and wrongdoings. The APRM in its country review report mentioned the fight against corruption as one of the most important challenges facing Benin.

Plethora of political parties

The political forces have always appeared divided. More than one hundred and fifteen (115) political parties have registered in Benin for a population which is about from eight to nine million. These political parties have been unable to agree upon what should be considered as the priorities of any governmental policy and have been opposing each other on the base of selfish interests. Position of parties over the different issues involving the future of the country is not based on any ideology other than the quest of power. Most of the political parties in Benin do not have a nationwide electorate. Instead their influence is limited to specific regions or ethnics. This issue was also mentioned in the report of APRM.

Polarization of administration
The administration and civil service are therefore highly politicized and the appointments of officials are subjected to the concept of regional equilibrium. This problem also includes the fact that some decisions involving technical considerations are based on political motives. One example has been the decentralization of territorial administration where the current central Government has shown little willingness in handing over the management of needed resources to the local government.

Unreliable electoral system

Benin’s electoral system is still completely manual and always allows controversies and accusations of vote rigging. Moreover, there has been little willingness till now on the part of the political actors to implement the computerization of this electoral system.

Widespread poverty
Despite all the efforts of the previous and current public authorities, poverty remains a serious problem in Benin as « a third of the population lives below the poverty line ». Benin’s economy is dependent on its neighbors mainly on Nigeria. This makes it vulnerable. Informal sector is dominant in the economy.

Above all, the lack of unity mainly in the political arena has not allowed dialogue to take place over these issues since consensus and patriotism raised by the Conference of the Active Forces of the Nation have completely vanished.

The need to restore the Conference’s legacy

After the rule of the former Head of State,

alf2chod@yahoo.fr