Patrice talon addresses Bénin as romuald wadagni prepares for presidency

As Bénin anticipates the inauguration of President-elect Romuald Wadagni this Sunday, May 24, 2026, outgoing head of state Patrice Talon delivered a significant national address. Having completed his two constitutional terms, a period marked by notable political events including a thwarted coup attempt, President Talon reflected on his decade in power and urged for continuity in national governance.

In his message to the Béninese people, the departing leader not only turned a new political page for the nation but also recounted his journey at the helm of Bénin.

Patrice Talon extended his congratulations to President-elect Romuald Wadagni, who is poised to assume leadership of the country. « This Sunday, May 24, 2026, our elected President, Mr. Romuald Wadagni, will take the oath of office to formally begin his duties. From that moment, he will undertake the delicate and exhilarating mission of guiding our country towards greater progress and collective and individual well-being, » he stated.

He also expressed his heartfelt wishes for the future head of state’s success. « I wish to reiterate my profound wishes for his great success in the endeavors he will undertake over the next seven years, » Talon emphasized.

Upon his departure, Patrice Talon presented an overall positive assessment of his administration’s achievements. With evident emotion, he declared: « As I prepare to relinquish my duties, I wish to thank you all sincerely and tell you how proud I am of you for the challenging path we have dared to travel together 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 socio-economic development. »

Acknowledging the hurdles faced, he added: « Undoubtedly, the journey was not always straightforward. Often, it was fraught with obstacles; but this is also what gave it charm and galvanized us. »

The outgoing president asserted that the collective efforts had yielded results: « In the end, we can observe, along with the rest of the world that expresses its admiration for us, that we have come a long way. Our efforts and sacrifices are gradually bearing fruit. »

He lauded this as 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 affirmed.

In a more personal segment of his address, Patrice Talon conveyed his profound gratitude: « Having been the team leader in this remarkable adventure, having served our country, was an immense honor for me. Therefore, my gratitude towards Bénin and towards each of you is boundless, » he indicated.

As he definitively closed the chapter of his presidency, Patrice Talon expressed confidence in the nation’s future.

« In passing the torch to President Romuald Wadagni, I want to share with you my conviction that under his leadership, our country will take even greater strides towards fulfilling its destiny, that of becoming a great Nation. To achieve this, I have no doubt that, strengthened by what we have accomplished thus far and driven by an unwavering will to go even further, together we will mobilize around him and with him, in the supreme interest of Bénin, to conquer entire new frontiers of progress that generate well-being, pride, and prosperity for everyone, » he concluded.