As the swearing-in of Romuald Wadagni approaches, scheduled for Sunday, May 24, 2026, outgoing President Patrice Talon addressed the nation. Having concluded his two constitutional terms, and following a political period notably marked by a foiled coup attempt, the departing head of state reflected on a decade of governance and urged continuity in public action.

In this address to the Béninois people, the head of state ushered in a new political chapter for the country, while also recounting his journey at the helm of Bénin.

Patrice Talon first extended his congratulations to President-elect Romuald Wadagni, who is poised to assume national leadership. « This Sunday, May 24, 2026, our elected President, Mr. Romuald Wadagni, will take his oath to formally begin his duties. From then on, he will undertake the delicate and exhilarating mission of steering our country’s course towards greater progress and collective and individual well-being, » he declared.

He also expressed his sincere hopes for a prosperous tenure for the future head of state. « I wish to reiterate my wishes for his great success in the actions he will undertake during the next seven years, » he emphasized.

As his departure nears, Patrice Talon offered a largely positive assessment of his administration’s work. Emotionally, he stated: « As I prepare to leave office, I want to thank you wholeheartedly and tell you how proud I am of you for the demanding journey we courageously walked together these past ten years, for the challenges overcome, the reforms implemented, and the significant projects initiated to strengthen our state and dedicate public action to its socio-economic development. »

Acknowledging the difficulties encountered, he added: « Assuredly, the path was not always simple to traverse. Quite often, it was fraught with obstacles; but this very aspect gave it character and invigorated us. »

The outgoing president believes the efforts undertaken have borne fruit: « In the end, we can observe, alongside the admiring international community, that we have come a long way. Our efforts and sacrifices are gradually yielding results. »

He hailed this as a collective achievement involving all segments of the population. « This is to the credit of all of us, Béninois from cities, rural areas, and even the diaspora, young and old alike, » he asserted.

In a more intimate passage of his discourse, Patrice Talon expressed his personal gratitude: « To have been the leader of this remarkable endeavor, to have served our country, was an immense honor for me. Thus, my gratitude towards Bénin and each of you knows no bounds, » he indicated.

Turning the page on his mandate definitively, Patrice Talon expressed confidence in the future.

« In passing the torch to President Romuald Wadagni, I want to share with you my conviction that under his leadership, our nation will continue to make significant strides towards the realization of its destiny, to become a great Nation. To achieve this, I have no doubt that, building on our accomplishments to date and propelled by an unwavering desire to progress further, we shall unite behind him and with him, for the supreme interest of Bénin, to secure vast domains of advancement leading to collective well-being, national pride, and widespread prosperity for all, » he concluded.