As Bénin anticipates the swearing-in of President-elect Romuald Wadagni this Sunday, May 24, 2026, outgoing President Patrice Talon addressed the nation. Having completed his two constitutional terms – a decade marked by significant political events including a thwarted coup attempt – the departing head of state reflected on his administration and called for continued public sector momentum.

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 President-elect, 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 nation towards greater progress and collective and individual well-being. »

He also conveyed his best wishes for the success of the incoming head of state. « I wish to reiterate my hopes for his immense success in the actions he will pursue over the next seven years, » Talon emphasized.

On the eve of his departure, Patrice Talon presented a largely positive assessment of his time leading the country. With evident emotion, he declared: « As I prepare to relinquish this responsibility, I wish to thank you all from the bottom of my heart and express how proud I am of you for the demanding path we dared to traverse together over these past ten years, for the challenges overcome, the reforms implemented, and the major projects undertaken to strengthen our state and dedicate public action to its socioeconomic development. »

Acknowledging the hurdles faced, he added: « Undoubtedly, the journey was not always simple. Often, it was fraught with obstacles; yet, this also contributed to its appeal and invigorated us. »

The outgoing President believes the efforts invested have yielded 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 lauded this as a collective achievement involving all segments of the population. « This belongs to 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 expressed his profound gratitude: « To have been the team leader of this remarkable adventure, to have served our country, has been an immense honor for me. Thus, my gratitude towards Bénin and each one of you is boundless, » he conveyed.

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

« In passing the torch to President Romuald Wadagni, I want to share my conviction that under his leadership, our country will take even greater steps toward fulfilling its destiny as 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 rally around him and with him, in the supreme interest of Bénin, to conquer entire new realms of progress that generate well-being, pride, and prosperity for all, » he concluded.