The Controversial Political Voice of the Catholic Church in Benin

The Catholic Church in Benin commemorated the 35th anniversary of the 1990 National Conference amid concerns about the declining state of democracy in the country. Participants in a recent colloquium expressed disappointment over unmet democratic expectations and the diminishing influence of the Church’s political voice. While the Church seeks to uphold democratic values, critics note that current leadership has largely ignored its proposals, raising questions about its effectiveness in promoting sociopolitical engagement.

The Catholic Church in Benin commemorated the 35th anniversary of the 1990 National Conference amidst concerns regarding the state of democracy in the country. As the significance of the conference wanes in collective memory, the Church endeavors to preserve its legacy. The late Archbishop Isidore de Souza is celebrated for his pivotal role in transitioning Benin from a dictatorship to a multiparty democratic system, a landmark moment in the country’s history.

The Church has formally established February 28 as the “National Day of National Recovery and Political Leaders.” Bishop Roger Houngbédji of Cotonou emphasized the importance of remembering the National Conference and promoting continuous efforts towards respecting true values and human dignity. Commemorative events included a solemn Mass and a colloquium aimed at fostering reflection on Benin’s democratic journey.

During the colloquium, participants reflected on the trajectory of democracy since the 1990 conference. Alain Adihou, a representative of Catholic youth at the time, expressed his mixed feelings regarding democratic progress, highlighting that the political elite has arguably betrayed the people’s victory. He noted the essential democratic principles established during the conference have not been adequately implemented by the government.

Robert Dossou, a key architect of the conference, also voiced dissatisfaction with the current political landscape, stating, “Today, I don’t think we have democracy anymore. We have a multi-polar one-party system—one voice dominates, and we no longer have the right to freely express what we think.” Benin has seen a notable decline in democratic practices, evidenced by restrictions on opposition parties and civil society voices, alongside oppressive measures against dissenters.

Concerns were raised about the Church’s diminishing political clout in contemporary society. Jacques Tossavi pointed out that while bishops were previously held in high esteem, they now appear to have less influence in governmental affairs. This decline has raised questions regarding the Church’s capacity to engage effectively with political authorities, particularly in light of past respect accorded during the tenure of President Mathieu Kérékou.

The changing dynamic can be attributed to the current leadership’s absence of values that once facilitated a strong relationship with the Church. Observations during recent consultations for the Synod on Synodality highlighted the need for the Church to enhance its political engagement, as authorities are perceived to have disregarded its proposals in recent years.

In summation, the Catholic Church in Benin strives to honor the legacy of the 1990 National Conference while grappling with disillusionment regarding the evolution of democracy in the nation. Although the Church once wielded significant political influence, its voice has increasingly been overlooked by contemporary leaders. As calls for improvement in sociopolitical engagement intensify, the Church faces the challenge of reclaiming its role in advocating for democratic ideals and human dignity.

Original Source: international.la-croix.com