Bénin’s president talon bids farewell, passes leadership to wadagni

On the eve of Romuald Wadagni’s anticipated inauguration this Sunday, May 24, 2026, outgoing President Patrice Talon delivered a significant address to the Béninois nation. Concluding his two constitutional terms, a period notably marked by a thwarted coup attempt, the departing head of state reflected on a decade of governance and urged for the continued momentum of public initiatives.

In his message to the people of Bénin, the President ushered in a new political chapter for the country while recounting his journey at the helm of the West African nation.

Patrice Talon extended his congratulations to President-elect Romuald Wadagni, who is poised to assume leadership. He stated, « This Sunday, May 24, 2026, our President-elect, Mr. Romuald Wadagni, will take his oath to formally begin his duties. From that moment, he will undertake the delicate and exhilarating mission of guiding our country’s path towards greater progress and collective and individual well-being. »

He further articulated his best wishes for the incoming head of state, emphasizing, « I wish to reiterate my hopes for his immense success in the endeavors he will undertake over the next seven years. »

As his tenure drew to a close, Patrice Talon presented a largely positive assessment of his administration’s accomplishments. With profound emotion, he declared, « As I prepare to relinquish this responsibility, I want to thank you wholeheartedly and express how immensely proud I am of you for the demanding journey we courageously embarked on together these past ten years—for the challenges overcome, the reforms implemented, and the significant projects initiated to fortify our state and align public action with its socio-economic development. »

Acknowledging the hurdles faced, he added, « Certainly, the path was not always easy. Often, it was fraught with obstacles; yet, this is precisely what imbued it with charm and invigorated us. »

The outgoing President believes the dedicated efforts have yielded results, noting, « Ultimately, we can observe, alongside the rest of the world that consistently expresses its admiration, that we have advanced significantly. Our efforts and sacrifices are gradually bearing fruit. »

He celebrated this as a collective achievement, involving every segment of the population. « This stands as a testament to all of us, Béninois men and women from cities, rural areas, and even the diaspora, both young and old, » he asserted.

In a more personal segment of his address, Patrice Talon conveyed his deep gratitude: « To have served as the team leader in this remarkable adventure, to have been in service to our country, has been an immense honor for me. Consequently, my gratitude towards Bénin and each one of you knows no bounds, » he conveyed.

Turning the page definitively on his mandate, Patrice Talon expressed confidence in the nation’s future.

« In handing over the reins to President Romuald Wadagni, I wish to share with you my conviction that under his leadership, our country will make even greater strides towards achieving its destiny—that of becoming a formidable Nation. To this end, I have no doubt that, strengthened by what we have accomplished thus far and driven by an unwavering will to push even further, together we will rally around him and with him, in the superior interest of Bénin, to conquer vast new territories of progress that generate well-being, pride, and prosperity for everyone, » he concluded.