Benin ARMP Excludes Energy Ministry Official for 10 Years, Annuls 2 Contracts

In Benin, on August 13, 2026, the Public Procurement Regulatory Authority (ARMP) issued a decision to exclude Ms. Bahounon Séverine Alassumi, the Responsible Person for Public Procurement (PRMP) of the Ministry of Energy, Water and Mines, from public procurement for a period of ten years, simultaneously annulling two procurement procedures initiated by the ministry.

This significant ruling by the ARMP underscores the stringent enforcement of public procurement regulations in Benin, sending a clear message about the consequences of non-compliance. For legal practitioners and businesses operating in the public contracting space, this decision highlights the critical importance of adhering to all procedural requirements, particularly those related to transparency and advertising. The exclusion of a key official for a decade and the annulment of contracts can have far-reaching implications for the ministry's operational capacity and for any private entities that were involved in the now-cancelled tenders, emphasizing the reputational and financial risks associated with flawed procurement processes.

The legal context for this action is rooted in Benin's public procurement framework, which grants the ARMP extensive powers to regulate, monitor, and sanction breaches of procurement laws. The specific mention of "manquements aux règles de publicité des marchés publics" (failures in public procurement advertising rules) indicates a violation of fundamental principles designed to ensure fair competition and equal access for all potential bidders. Such rules are enshrined in national legislation and decrees governing public contracts, aiming to prevent corruption and promote good governance. The ARMP's authority to annul contracts serves as a powerful corrective mechanism when significant procedural irregularities are identified.

The key parties involved in this matter are the Public Procurement Regulatory Authority (ARMP), which acted as the regulatory and sanctioning body, and the Ministry of Energy, Water and Mines, specifically through its Responsible Person for Public Procurement (PRMP), Ms. Bahounon Séverine Alassumi. While the excerpt does not name the private entities involved in the annulled contracts, they are implicitly affected by the decision. This case is a stark reminder of the individual accountability that can be imposed on public officials responsible for procurement.

Attorneys advising government agencies or private sector clients bidding for public contracts in Benin must meticulously review and ensure strict compliance with all public procurement regulations, especially those pertaining to advertising and transparency. Practitioners should closely monitor ARMP decisions for evolving interpretations of the law and precedents. It is crucial to conduct thorough due diligence on internal procurement processes and external bidding strategies to mitigate the risk of sanctions, contract annulment, or exclusion from future public tenders, which can severely impact an entity's ability to participate in the public economy.