Benin’s new administration has introduced major changes to government coordination and institutional organisation, including the establishment of monthly Cabinet meetings and the reinstatement of a Ministry of Communication.
The reforms were announced following the first Council of Ministers chaired by President Romuald Wadagni in Cotonou, marking the start of his 2026–2033 mandate after taking office on May 24.
Under the new governance framework, the Council of Ministers will now meet in ordinary session on the first Wednesday of every month, with extraordinary meetings to be convened when necessary. The government also introduced a reinforced coordination system, including inter-ministerial committees held twice monthly and sectoral cabinet meetings in between.
Officials said the changes are intended to improve efficiency, coordination and policy implementation across government departments.
A key institutional shift is the return of a dedicated Ministry of Communication, which had been abolished under the previous administration led by former President Patrice Talon.
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Government spokesperson Wilfried Léandre Houngbédji dismissed suggestions that the reinstatement signals policy failure, describing it instead as a strategic adjustment to strengthen engagement with the media and information ecosystem.
He said the new minister, Aurélie Adam Soulé Zoumarou, would work closely with journalists and communication stakeholders to improve government outreach.
Beyond institutional restructuring, President Wadagni outlined key priorities for his seven-year term, including the eradication of extreme poverty through decentralised development strategies and strengthening national security.
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He urged members of his cabinet to adopt a service-oriented approach to governance, warning against personal enrichment and emphasising integrity, discipline and accountability in public office.
The president’s directive signals an early effort to define the tone of his administration, focusing on administrative discipline and improved policy coordination.
Analysts say the introduction of monthly Cabinet meetings could enhance decision-making efficiency, though its effectiveness will depend on implementation and inter-ministerial cooperation in the coming months.
