The new market management mechanism established by the government does not have unanimous support in public opinion. The Beninese political analyst Richard Ouorou sees it as a means to restrict the autonomy of municipalities.
To manage the modern markets being constructed in the municipalities, the government has established an agency. This new market management mechanism troubles the Beninese political analyst, who suspects it is an instrument of political control over mayors for electoral purposes.
In an analysis published on his Facebook page, the international consultant, concerned about transparency, accountability, and a genuine separation of powers that should characterize governance in our states, questions the new market management mechanism put in place by the government.
“I am firmly convinced that reforms, like the one I want to denounce today, should be carried out in an open and integrative manner, with active participation from civil society and target groups, in order to build a stronger and more inclusive democracy,” Richard Ouorou began by emphasizing.
For him, the principle of incrementalism has already proven itself in strong and inclusive societies. He therefore calls for an end to the systematic impoverishment of local authorities.
The proliferation of these mechanisms and institutions, justified by so-called disruptive reforms under Patrice Talon’s regime, continues the political analyst, surrounded by concerning opacity regarding their true objectives and purposes.
“As for this new market management mechanism, I believe it is time for us to evolve our democracy through a genuine separation of powers. It is therefore crucial for decentralized communities to assert their autonomy, especially regarding the management of their markets,” Richard Ouorou suggests.
He acknowledges that in the fight against corruption, mechanisms for supervision and transparency need to be established at the local level, with concurrent oversight.
However, he states that the government urgently needs to clarify the political and economic background of this management mechanism, “so that we can not only assess its importance but also be informed that it is not just another instrument of political control over mayors by the central government for electoral purposes,” Richard Ouorou stated.
