François Silibi sworn in as new Benin MP after Louis Vlavonou’s senate move

François Silibi officially took his seat in the National Assembly this Friday, July 10, 2026, filling the vacancy left by Louis Vlavonou. The transition follows Vlavonou’s departure to the Senate, where he assumed his role as a de jure member due to his prior position as president of the National Assembly.

The swearing-in ceremony took place immediately after the plenary session held at the Palais des Gouverneurs in Porto-Novo. As a newly elected representative, Silibi will serve the mandate originally held by Vlavonou until the end of the 10th legislature, slated for February 2033.

Born in 1982, François Silibi is an English teacher from Ifangni, a town he shares in common with his predecessor. His appointment marks his first term in parliament, where he will now represent his constituency in the National Assembly.

Silibi, who previously served as deputy to the former National Assembly president, steps into the role following Vlavonou’s retirement from the lower house. The outgoing deputy’s transition to the Senate is effective from July 30, 2026.