The Institute of Artisans of Justice and Peace (IAJP/Co) concluded its second-quarter cycle of reflections on Thursday, 19 June 2025, with a wide-ranging debate on the root causes of growing social and economic precarity in Benin.
Held under the theme “The imperative of good governance to address current challenges linked to exponential precariousness,” the session brought together academics and civil society actors in a spirited discussion circle format.
The forum was steered by three focus groups led by Professors Monique Ouassa Kouaro, Maxime da Cruz, and Hygin Kakaï. Together, they tackled a central question: “Is good governance the panacea for lifting populations out of precariousness?” One group delved further, addressing whether the concept of “exponential precariousness” in Benin reflects a genuine reality or is perhaps overstated.
Professor Monique Ouassa Kouaro, who delivered the concluding synthesis, described precariousness as a complex condition defined by ongoing social and economic instability.
“It is a context-dependent phenomenon,” she said, stressing that its impact varies across regions and populations.
She emphasized that targeted public policies and meaningful social interventions could effectively address many of its root causes.
In her remarks, Professor Ouassa Kouaro warned that precariousness jeopardizes access to fundamental rights, such as healthcare, housing, and education.
She drew a direct correlation between poor governance and rising inequality, noting that “the absence of transparency, citizen participation, and accountability in public management enables the exclusion of the majority and the concentration of resources in the hands of a privileged few.”
The session ended with a reflection from Father Arnaud Éric Aguénounon, Director of the IAJP, who praised participants for their engagement and critical insight.
He encouraged continued dialogue and intellectual rigor in approaching governance reforms.
Father Aguénounon also announced the Institute’s upcoming conference, slated for 10 July 2025, which will address “Sovereignty of political power in Africa: between African unity and the powerlessness of leaders.”
As Benin grapples with rising socioeconomic instability, the IAJP’s call for structural governance reform may offer an urgently needed roadmap.
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