On the eve of Romuald Wadagni’s much-anticipated swearing-in ceremony, scheduled for Sunday, May 24, 2026, outgoing President Patrice Talon delivered a poignant address to the Nation. Having concluded his two constitutionally mandated terms, and following a politically dynamic period that included a thwarted coup attempt, the departing head of state reflected on a decade of leadership, advocating for the uninterrupted continuation of public initiatives.
In his message to the people of Bénin, the President ushered in a new chapter for the nation, taking a moment to recount his journey at the helm of the country.
Patrice Talon extended his congratulations to President-elect Romuald Wadagni, who is set to assume leadership. « This Sunday, May 24, 2026, our elected President, Mr. Romuald Wadagni, will take the oath of office, formally commencing his duties. From that moment, he will undertake the delicate and inspiring mission of guiding our country towards greater progress and collective and individual well-being, » Talon affirmed.
He also conveyed his heartfelt wishes for the future leader’s success. « I wish to reiterate my profound wishes for his great success in the endeavors he will undertake over the next seven years, » he emphasized.
As his tenure draws to a close, Patrice Talon offered a largely positive assessment of his administration’s achievements. With deep emotion, he stated: « As I prepare to relinquish this responsibility, I wish to thank you from the bottom of my heart and express how proud I am of you for the demanding path we dared to travel together over these past ten years, for the challenges we overcame, the reforms we implemented, and the major projects we initiated to strengthen our State and dedicate public action to socio-economic development. »
Acknowledging the hurdles encountered, he added: « Unquestionably, the journey was not always straightforward. Often, it was fraught with obstacles; yet, it was precisely these difficulties that lent it charm and galvanized our spirits. »
The departing President believes that the concerted efforts have yielded tangible results: « Ultimately, we can observe, alongside the rest of the world which frequently expresses its admiration, that we have made significant strides. Our efforts and sacrifices are gradually bearing fruit. »
He lauded this as a collective triumph, involving every segment of the population. « This achievement belongs to all of us, Béninois citizens from cities, rural areas, and even the diaspora, both young and old, » he declared.
In a more personal segment of his address, Patrice Talon expressed profound gratitude: « To have been the team leader in this remarkable adventure, to have served our country, was an immense honor for me. Thus, my gratitude towards Bénin and towards each of you is boundless, » he conveyed.
Turning a definitive page on his mandate, Patrice Talon expressed confidence in the nation’s future.
« In passing the torch to President Romuald Wadagni, I wish to share my conviction that under his leadership, our country will take even greater strides toward realizing its destiny of becoming a prominent Nation. To achieve this, I have no doubt that, fortified by what we have accomplished so far and driven by the unwavering will to go even further, together we will rally around him and with him, in the supreme interest of Bénin, to conquer new frontiers of progress that generate well-being, pride, and prosperity for all, » he concluded.
