The communication gap in decentralization

Analysis of the decentralization process in Benin reveals a contrasting observation. Initially, decentralization brought about the emergence of a democratic local authority, supposed to break the dual situation that had prevailed since the colonial era. This undoubtedly constitutes a major step forward. Which amounts to generally noting that it works locally and is not called into question. Secondly, it is presented in a register marked by uncertainties. These are manifested by simultaneous trends towards ignorance of the texts by the populations and certain local elected officials, the confusion of roles, the pessimism of ungovernability, the submission of decentralized powers to the Executive, the manifest deficit in terms of communication and community awareness then the myth of citizen participation.