Outgoing president Patrice Talon on Thursday delivered an emotional farewell message to the people of Benin, marking the end of his decade-long rule ahead of the official transfer of power to President-elect Romuald Wadagni.
“As I step down from my duties, I would like to thank you from the bottom of my heart and tell you how proud I am of you for the demanding path we have dared to take together over the past ten years,” Talon declared, highlighting the reforms, infrastructure projects and modernization efforts carried out during his presidency.
Elected in 2016 after a successful career in business, Talon oversaw major institutional and economic reforms that earned praise from several international partners.
His administration focused on administrative modernization, infrastructure development and economic growth.
However, his tenure also drew criticism from opposition groups and civil society organizations, particularly following the exclusion of the Les Démocrates party from the 2026 presidential election due to sponsorship requirements, as well as the adoption of a constitutional reform in November 2025 introducing a seven-year presidential term.
According to the Constitutional Court, the Wadagni–Chabi Talata ticket secured victory in the presidential election with 4,515,449 votes, representing 94.27% of valid ballots cast, with voter turnout reaching 63.57%.
Talon extended his “best wishes for success” to Wadagni, expressing confidence that Benin would continue its progress “towards becoming a great nation” under the incoming administration.
Romuald Wadagni is expected to be sworn in on Sunday, May 24, becoming Benin’s fourth president since the country’s democratic renewal in 1990.
