Outgoing Benin President Patrice Talon has expressed confidence in President-elect Romuald Wadagni ahead of the latter’s inauguration on May 24, 2026, describing the leadership transition as the beginning of “greater strides” for the West African nation, Prime Business Africa reports.
In a farewell message to citizens on Thursday, Talon said Wadagni would assume the “delicate and exhilarating mission” of leading Benin toward greater progress and improved well-being for its people once he takes the oath of office on Sunday.
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The outgoing president, who is concluding a decade in office, wished his successor success over the next seven years and urged Beninese citizens to rally behind the incoming administration in the interest of national development.
Reflecting on his tenure, Talon said his administration pursued difficult but necessary reforms aimed at strengthening state institutions and driving socioeconomic growth.
“Assuredly, the path has not always been easy to travel. All too often, it was strewn with obstacles,” he said, adding that the sacrifices and efforts made by citizens had begun to yield visible results acknowledged internationally.
Talon credited the achievements of his administration to the collective resilience of Beninese citizens at home and in the diaspora, noting that the country had made significant progress over the past 10 years.
He also expressed gratitude to his wife, Claudine Talon, whom he praised for her support and guidance throughout his presidency, as well as to friends and allies who stood by him during his time in office.
“As I pass the baton to President Romuald Wadagni, I am convinced that under his leadership, our country will continue its march toward the fulfillment of its destiny as a great nation,” Talon stated.
The transition will mark the end of Talon’s two-term presidency, during which his government embarked on a series of economic and institutional reforms that reshaped Benin’s political and development landscape.
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