On the eve of Romuald Wadagni’s swearing-in ceremony, scheduled for Sunday, May 24, 2026, outgoing President Patrice Talon addressed the Nation. Having completed his two constitutional mandates, and following a politically charged period that included a thwarted coup attempt, the departing head of state reflected on a decade of governance and urged for the continuity of public action.
In his address to the people of Bénin, the President inaugurated a new political chapter for the country, while also recounting his journey at the helm of Bénin.
Patrice Talon began by congratulating President-elect Romuald Wadagni, who is set to assume the country’s leadership. « 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 nation towards greater progress and collective and individual well-being, » he stated.
He also extended his best wishes for the success of the incoming head of state. « I wish to reiterate my profound wishes for his great success in the endeavors he will pursue over the next seven years, » he emphasized.
As his departure approached, Patrice Talon presented a largely positive assessment of his administration’s achievements. With emotion, he declared: « As I prepare to relinquish this responsibility, I want to thank you all wholeheartedly and express how proud I am of you for the demanding path we dared to traverse together these last ten years, for the challenges overcome, the reforms implemented, and the major projects undertaken to strengthen our state and dedicate public action to its socioeconomic development. »
Acknowledging the difficulties encountered, he added: « Assuredly, the journey was not always straightforward. Often, it was fraught with obstacles; but this too was part of its charm and served to galvanize us. »
The outgoing president believes that the efforts initiated have borne fruit: « In the end, we can observe, along with the rest of the world which consistently expresses its admiration for us, that we have come a long way. Our efforts and sacrifices are gradually yielding results. »
He praised a collective success involving all segments of the population. « This is to the credit of all of us, Béninese citizens from cities, rural areas, and even the diaspora, young and old, » he asserted.
In a more personal segment of his address, Patrice Talon expressed his profound gratitude: « To have led 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 indicated.
As he definitively closed the chapter of his mandate, Patrice Talon expressed confidence in the 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 great Nation. To this end, I have no doubt that, strengthened by what we have accomplished thus far and driven by an unwavering desire to go 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 all, » he concluded.
