In a message released this Monday, May 21, 2026, outgoing President Patrice Talon conveyed heartfelt thanks to the people of Benin for the challenging path they have courageously walked together over the past decade.

He emphasized their collective efforts in overcoming obstacles, implementing reforms, and launching major projects aimed at strengthening the state and prioritizing public action for socioeconomic development.

Here is his full message:

My fellow citizens,

This Sunday, May 24, 2026, our elected President, Mr. Romuald Wadagni, will be sworn in, officially taking office. He will then undertake the delicate and inspiring mission of guiding our nation toward greater progress and collective and individual well-being.

To him, I extend my warmest wishes for success in the responsibilities he will assume over the next seven years.

As I conclude my term, I want to express my deepest gratitude to you all. I am immensely proud of the journey we have undertaken together over the past decade—facing challenges, implementing reforms, and initiating transformative projects to strengthen our state and align public action with socioeconomic development.

Admittedly, the road has not always been smooth. It was often fraught with obstacles, but these very challenges have given our journey its unique character and fueled our determination.

Today, as we reflect on our progress, the world bears witness to our achievements, showering us with admiration. Our collective efforts and sacrifices are bearing fruit, and our progress is undeniable. This is the result of the dedication of all Béninois—women and men 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.

I take this opportunity to publicly acknowledge the invaluable role of an extraordinary woman whose unwavering support, patience, and mentorship have been instrumental in my journey. I refer to Mrs. Claudine Gbénagnon Kpoviessi Talon, whom I wholeheartedly thank.

I also extend my heartfelt appreciation to all those who have surrounded me with love, friendship, and support, enabling 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 continue to make significant strides toward realizing its destiny: to become a great nation.

To achieve this, I have no doubt that, building on our accomplishments to date and driven by an unshakable will to advance further, we will unite around him and with him, in the supreme interest of Benin, to conquer new frontiers of progress that foster well-being, pride, and prosperity for all.

Long live the Republic!

Long live Benin!