Conrad Gbaguidi tipped for Benin’s Mediator of the Republic role

The new term of the Economic and Social Council (CES) is set to launch on Wednesday, July 22, 2026. Insiders indicate that former CES president Conrad Gbaguidi is in pole position for the first vice-presidency, a role that would also grant him authority as Benin’s Mediator of the Republic.

As the CES prepares to unveil its new leadership, Conrad Gbaguidi finds himself at the center of attention. His anticipated appointment as first vice-president would not only reinforce his institutional influence but also position him as the country’s top mediator, following recent legal reforms.

Legal reforms pave the way for institutional integration

The upcoming appointment aligns with the recently enacted Law No. 2026-13, which amends the organic law of the Economic and Social Council. The revised legislation explicitly states that the Mediator of the Republic’s duties will now fall under the purview of the first vice-president of the CES.

This strategic integration eliminates the need for a separate appointment, streamlining governance while expanding the CES’s responsibilities. Lawmakers endorsed the reform during its deliberation in the National Assembly, emphasizing its role in enhancing institutional efficiency without altering the CES’s existing administrative structure.

Gbaguidi’s legacy at the CES

Conrad Gbaguidi has led the Economic and Social Council since February 2025, overseeing its formative months and guiding its initial operations. His deep familiarity with the institution’s challenges and priorities has made him a natural choice for the expanded role, should it materialize.

The formal election of the CES’s new leadership, including the president and vice-presidents, will take place during Wednesday’s session. The outcome will determine whether Gbaguidi’s anticipated transition into the Mediator of the Republic role becomes official.