President Wadagni sets vision for national development and security
Romuald Wadagni, President of the Republic of Bénin, convened the inaugural Council of Ministers for his seven-year term on May 28, 2026. Held at the Palais de la Marina in Cotonou, this historic session marked the launch of a new chapter in the country’s governance, with the newly appointed ministers receiving their marching orders directly from the head of state.
In his opening address, President Wadagni welcomed the cabinet members, emphasizing that their appointment was not a personal accolade but a national duty. He underscored the importance of their roles, urging them to uphold the highest standards of integrity, frugality, and solidarity in public service—free from partisan or self-serving influences.
Equitable development and security take center stage
The President outlined two critical pillars for his administration’s agenda: bridging regional disparities and reinforcing national security. He called for a strategic redistribution of resources across all municipalities, aiming to narrow the development gap through targeted infrastructure projects, improved access to essential services, and increased investments in local governance.
The security situation, particularly in northern regions, remains a pressing concern. Wadagni directed the government to sustain and strengthen its efforts in safeguarding territorial integrity, as recent armed incidents continue to strain the nation’s defense and security forces.
Government operations streamlined for efficiency
To enhance governance, the executive branch has introduced a restructured framework for its decision-making processes. The Council of Ministers will now convene monthly, on the first Wednesday of each month, with the flexibility to hold extraordinary sessions when necessary. The Interministerial Committee will meet twice monthly—on the first and third Mondays—to ensure coordinated policy execution.
Additionally, joint sessions merging the Interministerial Committee, Council of Ministers, and sectoral ministers will be organized to tackle complex policy challenges more effectively. This overhaul signals the formal start of institutional operations under Wadagni’s new mandate, following his swearing-in ceremony on May 24, 2026.
