As Bénin anticipates the inauguration of President-elect Romuald Wadagni this Sunday, May 24, 2026, outgoing head of state Patrice Talon has addressed the nation. Concluding his two constitutionally mandated terms, a period marked by significant political developments including a thwarted coup attempt, the departing president reflected on a decade of governance and urged for the continued momentum of public initiatives.
In his address to the people of Bénin, the President ushered in a new political chapter for the country while also reflecting on his journey at the helm.
Patrice Talon extended his congratulations to the President-elect, Romuald Wadagni, who is poised to assume leadership. He stated, « This Sunday, May 24, 2026, our elected President, Mr. Romuald Wadagni, will take his oath to formally begin his duties. From that moment, he will undertake the delicate and inspiring mission of guiding our nation towards greater progress and collective and individual well-being. »
He further conveyed his sincere wishes for the future head of state’s success, emphasizing, « I wish to reiterate my profound wishes for his great success in the endeavors he will undertake over the next seven years. »
As his tenure draws to a close, Patrice Talon presented a largely positive assessment of his administration’s accomplishments. With heartfelt emotion, he declared, « As I prepare to relinquish this responsibility, I wish to thank you wholeheartedly and express how immensely proud I am of you all for the demanding path we courageously walked together over these past ten years, for the challenges overcome, the reforms implemented, and the major projects initiated to strengthen our state and dedicate public action to its socio-economic development. »
Acknowledging the hurdles encountered, he added, « Undoubtedly, the journey was not always straightforward. Often, it was fraught with obstacles; yet, it was precisely these difficulties that lent it charm and invigorated our resolve. »
The departing president believes that the collective efforts have yielded tangible results: « Today, we can observe, alongside the rest of the world that consistently expresses its admiration, the significant progress we have made. Our dedication and sacrifices are gradually bearing fruit. »
He lauded this as a shared 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 affirmed.
In a more personal segment of his address, Patrice Talon conveyed his profound gratitude: « To have served as the team leader for this remarkable adventure, to have been in service to our country, has been an extraordinary honor for me. My gratitude towards Bénin and towards each of you is boundless. »
Turning a definitive page on his presidency, Patrice Talon expressed unwavering confidence in the nation’s future.
« As I pass the torch to President Romuald Wadagni, I wish to share my conviction that under his leadership, our country will take even greater strides towards fulfilling its destiny of becoming a great Nation. To achieve this, I have no doubt that, fortified by our accomplishments thus far and driven by an unshakeable will to push further, together we will rally around him and with him, in the supreme interest of Bénin, to conquer vast new territories of progress that generate well-being, pride, and prosperity for everyone, » he concluded.