The 20th symposium of the Institute of Artisans of Justice and Peace (IAJP) started on Thursday 2 December and ended on Friday 3 December 2022 at the Chant d’Oiseau in Cotonou. These meetings, which also mark the commemoration of the 25th anniversary of the creation of this institute, enabled the various actors invited to consult each other and then to make resolutions. These five resolutions sound like the IAJP’s solemn appeal to all Beninese citizens to commit themselves responsibly to the vitality of democracy and the legitimacy of parliament.
Two main themes were at the heart of the 20th IAJP symposium. The participants first discussed “Inducing a new work culture in Benin for a mature democracy”, the theme for the year 2022. For the 20th symposium itself, the theme is “People and Parliament”. These two themes, which were the subject of intellectual reflection, paved the way for a rich discussion and led to the drafting of the IAJP’s appeal, which is summarised in five convictions.
During a press conference at the end of the 20th symposium, the director of the Institute of Artisans of Justice and Peace (IAJP), Abbé Eric Aguénounon, presented the five main conclusions of the consultation with the participants.
Democracy, beyond electoral requirements
“The institutional urgency of organising elections should be matched by the need for political freedom and impartiality in the inclusive choice of the nation’s various elected representatives,” said Abbé Eric Aguénounon, director of the IAJP. According to him, it is up to those in power, i.e. those at the helm, to truly embody what they should be: fellow citizens and guides.
Free expression of the right to vote
Let’s say yes to the freedom to vote and to go and vote. Those who do not want to vote should stay at home without disturbing others. Abstention speaks when it is collective and it is stronger than scattered violence.
The institutions of the Republic are called upon to play their parts
The ethical responsibility of the institutions of the Republic is crucial at election time, but calls for great vigilance on the part of candidates, voters and the people. It is up to the government to create the conditions for such citizen vigilance. In this context, inclusive elections demonstrate the maturity of a nation’s leaders and the caring of its people. They are a guarantee of a peaceful electoral and post-electoral climate.
The need for objective and constructive opposition
For peace and good governance, there must be an opposition worthy of the name. This does not mean that it is necessarily the opponent of the government in power, but an institution that makes it possible to broaden the field of vision and make other proposals. A self-respecting country cannot develop properly without a good opposition of contradiction.
For the sake of peace
For peace and quiet in our country in the upcoming elections, every citizen must freely and responsibly choose their representative in parliament. In order to prevent the upcoming elections from being boycotted by the population, it is essential that they are inclusive to the end. Inclusive elections give citizens the chance to choose their representatives responsibly. Imposing representatives on the population through elections is a sign of the weakness of the political sphere and undermines the peace we seek.
Finally, the director of the IAJP, Abbé Eric Aguénounon, urged everyone to seek peace and harmony in all circumstances.
