Under the aegis of the Episcopal Conference of Benin (CEB), the Institute of Artisans of Justice and Peace – Centre de Recherche et de Formation Le Chant d’Oiseau (IAJP/CO) has been organising its 20th symposium since Thursday 1 December 2022. This event also marks the 25th anniversary of the Institute, which serves peace and social cohesion. Several political-administrative, religious and other leaders were all present at this intellectual meeting whose aim is to consolidate democracy in Benin.
“Inducing a new work culture in Benin for a mature democracy”. This is the theme chosen by the IAJP/CO for the year 2022. The theme of the 20th symposium is “people and parliament in a democracy”.
The objective of the IAJP/CO in organising this two-day meeting is to contribute to the promotion of citizens who are more aware of the need to provide Benin with a parliament that meets the aspirations of the people.
This symposium is also a way for the IAJP to commemorate the 25 years of existence of the Institute around major issues that give rise to reflection and analysis. Then to revisit all the activities carried out by the IAJP in the service of peace in Benin.
A meeting of intellectual and social significance
For Abbé Éric Aguénounon, director of the IAJP/CO, this meeting is of great intellectual and social importance.
He notified that
“It is a vital journey where intelligence, humanity and the heart will be mobilised to help us understand the terms involved, which are not pure concepts, but inexorably and undeniably refer to our daily experience, and engage our quality of being a citizen.
The IAJP, the legacy of Mgr de SOUZA
The IAJP/CO was indeed created on 22 December 1997, thanks to the vision of Bishop Isidore de SOUZA. A lover of peace and justice, he took the initiative to launch this Institute for research and training not only for Benin but for Africa.
Loyal to its initial vision and mission, the Institute of Artisans of Justice and Peace has been working for 25 years to make the exchanges between the social and political actors of society more constructive.
IAJP/CO’s efforts recognised
“One is not born a democrat, one becomes one,” says Professor Gilles Badet, Secretary General of the Constitutional Court of Benin. He said he was very happy to take part in this symposium, which is being held especially on the eve of the legislative elections of 8 January 2023.
Finally, Gilles Badet praised the IAJP for its commitment and invited it to continue in the same dynamic.
The same message was conveyed by Mr R. MERZ, the representative of the Konrad ADENAUER Foundation. He recalled that the IAJP is a melting pot of eminence that offers an excellent platform for Beninese actors to express themselves.
It was an opportunity for him to reiterate the commitment of the Konrad ADENAUER Foundation alongside the Institute for more impact for peace.
Archbishop Antoine Ganyé, Archbishop Emeritus of the Archdiocese of Cotonou, gave the solemn opening speech of the 20th IAJP Symposium. “Prayer alone is not enough,” the man of God said in his address, before adding that only science and knowledge can lead a country.
Four communications “The question of democracy with regard to the Social Doctrine of the IAJP: the contribution of the IAJP, 25 years later”, “The Beninese parliament from 1990 to the present day: critical analysis and perspectives”, “Integral perspective of peace and development: popular will and ethical look at the Beninese parliament” and “Legislative 2023: campaigning for participatory and peaceful elections” are at the heart of this two-day conference which ends this Friday, December 2, 2022.
