Fr. Arnaud Éric AGUÉNOUNON
A priest of the Archdiocese of Cotonou, Fr. Arnaud Éric AGUÉNOUNON has led the Institut des Artisans de Justice et de Paix / Le Chant d'Oiseau (IAJP/CO) since July 2022. A formator of priests, writer and committed thinker, he places the Social Doctrine of the Church at the service of justice, peace and good governance in Africa.
An early vocation
At the age of seven, he felt the desire to consecrate himself to the Lord after seeing Archbishop Isidore de Souza on national television. This spiritual encounter began a true chain of transmission, carried on in particular with Father Raymond Bernard Goudjo.
Baptised in 1984 at the Saints Peter and Paul parish in Porto-Novo, he gives a central place to his parents, whom he regards as his first educators.
“Faith, intelligence and work.”The three values that sum up the legacy he received from his parents
Journey
- ChildhoodThe call
The desire to consecrate himself to the Lord is born at the age of seven.
- 1984Baptism
Saints Peter and Paul parish, Porto-Novo.
- FormationPropaedeutic seminary of Akpro-Missérété
First stage of his priestly formation.
- FormationSaint-Gall Major Seminary, Ouidah
Philosophical and theological formation.
- MinistrySeminary formator
He teaches and guides future priests in several institutions, including Saint-Joseph seminary and the Saint-Paul philosophy seminary in Djimè.
- July 2022Director of IAJP / Chant d'Oiseau
He takes the helm of the Institute in Cotonou: social conferences, colloquia, symposia, training and dialogue with all sectors of society.
- September 202615th anniversary of priesthood
Launch of “Discerner avec Saint François de Sales” on 12 September and thanksgiving Mass on 13 September 2026.
Thinker and writer
A writer and essayist, political analyst and philosopher, and a specialist in international affairs, Fr. AGUÉNOUNON speaks demandingly on the rule of law, human rights and governance. For him, development that ignores the human person is merely economic growth without real foundation.
A reflection on the primary role of State power: guaranteeing the enjoyment and protection of human rights.
DiscoverA conceptual trial in which democracy is defended with Claude Lefort and bureaucracy judged in light of Max Weber. Foreword by Nicolas Poirier, afterword by Constant Sinzogan.
Read the article126 pages on discernment in the formation of future priests. Foreword by Fr. Raymond Bernard Goudjo, afterword by Fr. Expédit Allossou.
Read the article