On the morning of Tuesday, November 26, 2024, a working session was held between the Minister of the Interior and Public Security and the senior officials of the Republican Police, led by General Director Soumaïla Yaya.
For Minister Alassane Seidou and his cabinet, the issue was to implement the reform that established the Republican Police, ensuring that the values upheld by the government were reaffirmed under the command of the Republican Police.
It was also an opportunity to reiterate the government’s commitment to using the most appropriate tools to remove those guilty of misconduct from the ranks of the Republican Police while fulfilling their various duties.
Following the session, the minister addressed the press, emphasizing that the initiative aimed at giving clear instructions on the necessary measures to eliminate and definitively eradicate the actions of certain Republican Police agents.
The accused actions concern misconduct and attitudes that are the antithesis of the values the government intended to promote through the reform that created the Republican Police.
Minister Alassane Seidou reiterated that the Republican Police aims to be a community-based, integrated police force that fosters cooperation with citizens to achieve genuine security partnerships, among other objectives. He expressed regret that agents within this institution were in conflict with these values.
Thus, the Minister of the Interior and Public Security reaffirmed the government’s commitment to using all necessary means to remove any officer from the Republican Police who is guilty of causing the death of an honest citizen by using a weapon or engaging in physical violence without being in a legitimate self-defense situation.
Maximum disciplinary actions, including instructions for a disciplinary board to impose 60 days of strict detention followed by expulsion from the bar, are also being implemented. These disciplinary actions will be followed by legal proceedings initiated by the courts for the purpose of conviction.
During the session, discussions were held to identify ways and tools to avoid future police errors. Attention was drawn to the weak supervision of agents within regional units.
The meeting later concluded with a decision to strengthen the supervision of officers, improve the monitoring of missions, and ensure proper profiling of officers so that it is clear who is qualified for each task.
Above all, the Minister of the Interior and Public Security assured the people of Benin, on behalf of the government, that “all necessary measures have been taken to ensure significant progress.” He emphasized, “The people can trust the government. We are working. We will redouble our efforts to ensure true security in our country.”
