Romual Wadagni takes office after 94.27% win, pledging to convert economic growth into tangible improvements in citizens’ daily lives.

Romual Wadagni was sworn in on Sunday at the Palace of Congresses in Cotonou as Benin’s new president, formally assuming office after winning the April 12 election with 94.27% of the vote. The former Minister of Economy and Finance succeeds Patrice Talon after ten years in power, marking a constitutional transition within the country’s democratic framework.

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The inauguration ceremony was held at the renovated Palace of Congresses in the economic capital and attended by former presidents Nicéphore Soglo and Thomas Boni Yayi, members of the outgoing cabinet, and other state officials. Wadagni took the oath before the President of the Constitutional Court, Cossi Dorothé Sossa.

At 49 years old, Wadagni becomes the fifth president of Benin since the return to multiparty democracy in 1991, following a political trajectory closely linked to outgoing president Patrice Talon, under whom he served as a key economic minister.

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Una publicación compartida por Romuald Wadagni (@wadagni.romuald)

Text Reads: On this day when the people of Benin entrust me with the supreme responsibility of leading our nation, I feel a profound sense of gratitude and solemnity. I will serve Benin with integrity, courage, and unwavering commitment. After the work of revelation and transformation undertaken, our duty is now clear: to ensure that the renewed strength of our state is more deeply reflected in the daily lives of every Beninese family. People of Benin, the task ahead, which falls to us collectively, is immense. May Benin remain free. May Benin stand tall, ever higher.And may we go further together. Long live the Republic. Long live Benin!

In his inaugural address, Wadagni emphasized the need to ensure that economic performance translates into concrete social outcomes. “Our economy has progressed, that is a fact. But national growth only makes sense when it is visible in people’s daily lives,” he said, stressing that development must be reflected in opportunities for citizens, particularly young people in their communities.

He added: “We must ensure that the renewed strength of our nation is more deeply reflected in the daily life of every Beninese family.”

Wadagni also paid tribute to his predecessor, describing Talon’s decade in office as a period of “rebirth” for Benin achieved through “difficult decisions.”

On foreign policy and security, the new president warned of the “threat of terrorism” in West Africa, particularly in the Sahel region. He called for coordinated regional action, stating: “In a subregion facing the threat of terrorism, we are obliged to work together. Therefore, I reiterate Benin’s readiness to act jointly to overcome this scourge.”

He also reaffirmed his intention to deepen regional cooperation based on dialogue, mutual respect, and shared interests, while maintaining Benin’s openness to the world and its national identity.

Shortly after taking office, Wadagni signed a decree appointing a new government made up of 22 ministers and three deputy ministers, along with Secretary-General Wilson Gakpéto. Key appointments include Aristide Médenou as Minister of Economy, Yvon Détchénou continuing at Justice, Corinne Amori Brunet at Foreign Affairs, Djibril Mama Cissé at Interior, and Édouard Dahome at Energy.

Text Reads: ALBUM PHOTO of the members of the Government of the President of the Republic, Mr. @WadagniRomuald

The new administration begins its mandate amid security concerns linked to jihadist activity in northern Benin and across the wider Sahel, alongside ongoing debates over democratic governance in the country.

Wadagni’s presidency begins a seven-year term, renewable once, with a stated focus on aligning economic growth with improved living conditions, institutional stability, and regional security cooperation.

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