The first term of 25 Senators was sworn in at the National Assembly building in Porto-Novo during a ceremony led by Élisabeth Pognon, the second oldest senator present. The opening session included a formal protocol phase, highlighted by an inaugural address and an official group photograph, before senators proceeded with closed-door deliberations. In her remarks, Élisabeth Pognon emphasized that the Senate’s establishment stems directly from the constitutional amendment adopted on December 17, 2025. She underscored its role in strengthening public trust and fostering political stability within the nation’s institutional framework.

The Senate’s mandate differs from that of the Constitutional Court, which handles legal interpretations. Instead, the new chamber operates under the authority of Article 113.1 of the Constitution. Among its primary functions, the Senate is charged with safeguarding national unity, reinforcing state cohesion, and upholding democratic principles, peace, and political harmony. Additionally, the Constitution empowers the Senate to impose sanctions on public figures, restricting their political or civic rights under conditions it deems appropriate.

A key responsibility of the Senate involves issuing non-objection opinions before the promulgation of constitutional amendments, electoral laws, and regulations governing political parties and their operations. This authority places the Senate at the heart of the legislative process for laws deemed essential to the nation’s institutional functioning. The first mandate comprises 25 senators, as stipulated by the Constitution. It includes ex-officio members and appointed individuals, such as former public officials and retired defense and security personnel. With this inauguration, Benin has officially transitioned to a bicameral parliamentary system, a structure unseen since the 1990 Constitution came into force on December 11 of that year.