On the eve of Romuald Wadagni’s official swearing-in ceremony, scheduled for Sunday, May 24, 2026, outgoing President Patrice Talon delivered a poignant address to the nation. Concluding his two constitutional terms, and reflecting on a decade of governance that included a thwarted coup attempt, the departing head of state emphasized the importance of sustained public action for Bénin’s future.
Through this pivotal message to the people of Bénin, President Talon not only initiated a fresh political chapter for the country but also reflected on his own journey at the helm of the nation.
Patrice Talon began by extending his congratulations to President-elect Romuald Wadagni, who is poised to assume leadership of the country. He stated, « This Sunday, May 24, 2026, our elected President, Mr. Romuald Wadagni, will take his oath of office to formally begin his duties. From that moment, he will embark on the delicate and exhilarating mission of guiding our nation toward greater collective and individual progress and well-being. »
President Talon further conveyed his wishes for the incoming head of state’s success, remarking, « I wish to reiterate my earnest wishes for his immense 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 achievements. Emotionally, he declared, « As I prepare to relinquish this responsibility, I wish to thank you all from the bottom of my heart and express how profoundly proud I am of you for the demanding path we courageously traversed together over the past decade — for the challenges we overcame, the reforms we implemented, and the significant projects we initiated to strengthen our state and harness public action for its socioeconomic development. »
Acknowledging the hurdles faced, he elaborated, « Undeniably, the journey was not always straightforward. Often, it was fraught with obstacles; yet, it was precisely these difficulties that lent it a unique character and invigorated our resolve. »
The outgoing president asserted that the collective efforts have yielded tangible results: « Ultimately, we can observe, along with the rest of the world which consistently expresses its admiration, that we have made significant strides. Our efforts and sacrifices are gradually bearing fruit. »
He commended this as a collective triumph, involving every segment of the population. « This achievement belongs to all of us — Béninese citizens from cities, rural areas, and even the diaspora, both young and old, » he emphasized.
In a more personal segment of his address, Patrice Talon conveyed his profound gratitude: « To have served as the team leader throughout this remarkable journey, and to have dedicated myself to our nation, has been an extraordinary honor for me. Consequently, my gratitude towards Bénin and each one of you knows no bounds. »
As he definitively concluded his presidential term, Patrice Talon expressed unwavering confidence in Bénin’s future.
He concluded, « As I pass the baton to President Romuald Wadagni, I wish to share my firm belief that under his leadership, our nation will continue to make significant strides toward fulfilling its destiny as a great Nation. To achieve this, I have no doubt that, strengthened by our past accomplishments and driven by an unyielding desire to advance further, we will collectively rally around him and work alongside him, in the supreme interest of Bénin, to secure comprehensive progress that generates well-being, pride, and prosperity for everyone. »
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