EXECUTIVE SUMMARY __________________________________________________________________________ and Government to be held in January 2008. The president publicly renewed this invitation during the 8th Forum Summit of Heads of State and Government (APR Forum) held in Accra, Ghana, in July 2007. This commitment on the part of the head of state was a major factor in the success of the exercise in Benin. 1.5 It is important to emphasise a unique feature of the APRM process in Benin: the process does not really focus on the state of governance in Benin during the current administration’s mandate. This administration has a relatively free hand in that the process provides it with a review of Benin’s state of governance at the time of assuming power. All those who take up the reins of power are thus encouraged to get a clear idea of the state’s condition and the stakes and challenges of governance before they enter office. 1.2 The progress of the CRM 1.6 Benin’s CRM was conducted by Mrs Marie-Angélique Savané, member of the APR Panel of Eminent Persons, from 15 July to 5 August 2007. Benin thus became the sixth country to be assessed, and in particular, the first francophone country in sub-Saharan Africa, as well as the first non-member country of the New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD) Implementation Committee. This meant it was less informed on the APRM and less prepared for the process. 1.7 The CRM managed to meet all those involved in the APRM process in Benin, in particular the president of the republic; the institutions of the republic; members of government; decentralised communities in certain of the country’s communes; political parties; civil society; opinion leaders, including traditional authorities, youth movements and women’s organisations; groups of disadvantaged persons; and the media. It was to carry out the widest possible consultations with all stakeholders in order to deepen the CSAR and to formulate recommendations to reinforce and improve the programme of action. 1.8 The work of the CRM began with an audience granted to the president of the CRM by the head of state, followed by the official launch of the review during a ceremony attended by the institutional leaders of the republic, members of government, members of the diplomatic and consular corps, traditional leaders, civil society, the private sector and the entire APRM delegation. The president of the republic reiterated his support and personal involvement in facilitating the review process in his country. He urged all citizens of Benin, especially opinion leaders and decision makers at all levels, to assist the CRM wherever necessary, and especially to provide any requested information frankly and independently. 1.9 The CRM conducted its work in three stages: the first in Cotonou, the economic capital and a major city in Benin where the majority of governmental and diplomatic services are based; the second at the level of the 2