In his farewell message, the outgoing President of the Republic of Benin expressed deep gratitude to the Beninese people for the demanding journey undertaken together over the past decade. He highlighted the challenges met, reforms implemented, and major projects launched to strengthen the state and prioritize public action for socioeconomic development.

The full text of his address:

My fellow compatriots,

This Sunday, May 24, 2026, our elected President, Mr. Romuald Wadagni, will be sworn in to formally assume office. From that moment, his mission will be to guide our nation toward greater progress and collective and individual well-being.

To him, I extend my heartfelt wishes for success in the responsibilities he will carry for the next seven years.

As I prepare to leave office, I want to thank each of you from the bottom of my heart. I am deeply proud of the demanding journey we have undertaken together over the past decade—the challenges overcome, the reforms enacted, and the major projects initiated to strengthen our state and ensure public action serves socioeconomic development.

Admittedly, the path was not always easy. Often, it was fraught with obstacles, but these very challenges gave it its charm and galvanized us.

Now, as we look back, we can see with the rest of the world—who have not hesitated to express their admiration—that we have made significant progress. Our efforts and sacrifices are gradually bearing fruit. This is our collective achievement, dear Beninese people from cities, rural areas, and the diaspora, young and old alike.

Having served as the leader of this remarkable journey and as a servant of our nation has been an immense honor. My gratitude to Benin and to each of you is boundless.

In sharing this moment with you, I must acknowledge the invaluable role of a remarkable woman who stood by me with affection and patience, whose guidance was instrumental. I refer to Mrs. Claudine Gbénagnon Kpoviessi, wife of Talon, whom I thank from the depths of my heart.

I also extend my gratitude to all those who surrounded me with love, friendship, and support—all of which enabled me to give my best.

As I hand over the reins to President Romuald Wadagni, I am confident that under his leadership, our country will take even greater strides toward fulfilling its destiny: to become a great nation.

To achieve this, I have no doubt that, building on what we have accomplished so far and driven by an unshakable desire to go further, we will rally together around him and with him, for the supreme interest of Benin. Together, we will conquer new frontiers of progress that bring well-being, pride, and prosperity to all.

Long live the Republic!

Long live Benin!