Solemn closing of Benin country visit: a major step forward in the fight against corruption
Cotonou, May 8, 2025 - The curtain came down this Wednesday on Benin's country visit as part of the second cycle of the United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC) Implementation Review Mechanism. Hosted from May 6 to 8, 2025 at the Benin Royal Hotel, this international mission was a high point of dialogue, evaluation and commitment to transparency and good governance.
The mission, led by experts appointed by Switzerland and Gambia, and accompanied by representatives of theUnited Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), was part of Benin's obligations under the Review Mechanism. It enabled a direct, frank and constructive exchange on progress, challenges and prospects in the fight against corruption.
Speaking on behalf of the Haut-Commissariat à la Prévention de la Corruption (HCPC), Dr Olivier-Charles ATTINDEHOU, Secretary General, stressed the importance of this evaluation in the process of consolidating national achievements. "Benin does not see this review as a simple compliance exercise. It is a strategic opportunity to fine-tune our policies, strengthen our systems and better involve citizens", he asserted.
The mission was marked by a high level of cooperation from Benin's institutions, which responded diligently and transparently to the experts' requests. The experts praised the rigor of theself-assessment process, as well as the country's manifest willingness to align itself with international standards in terms of integrity, prevention of conflicts of interest and accountability.
In closing the proceedings, the parties agreed to maintain an open channel of dialogue with a view to supporting the implementation of the recommendations made. The HCPC, for its part, undertook to step up its efforts to raise awareness, train public players and mobilize citizens around the challenges of the fight against corruption.
This process reinforces Benin's position on the international stage as a State resolutely committed to building a society based on ethics, justice and responsibility. It also confirms the pivotal role played by the HCPC in the governance reforms driven by Benin's highest authorities.