Benin’s New President Romuald Wadagni Sworn In Amid Presence of AES Representatives

Benin’s newly elected President, Romuald Wadagni, officially took office on Sunday, May 24, 2026, during an inauguration ceremony held in Cotonou and attended by several foreign delegations, including representatives from the Alliance of Sahel States (AES).

The ceremony brought together delegates from 16 countries as well as political and diplomatic figures from across West Africa and beyond. Among the notable guests were the foreign ministers of Mali and Burkina Faso, alongside a delegation from Niger led by the country’s prime minister. Their attendance drew particular attention given the ongoing tensions between Niger and Benin, with the border between the two nations remaining closed since July 2023.

Elected on April 12, 2026, with more than 94 percent of the vote according to results validated by the Constitutional Court, Wadagni succeeds Patrice Talon, who leaves office after serving two constitutional terms.

In his inaugural address, President Wadagni emphasized the need to translate Benin’s economic growth into tangible social progress for ordinary citizens. He acknowledged the country’s economic advances but stressed that national growth must be reflected in the daily lives of the population.

The new head of state pledged to prioritize job creation, improve access to essential public services, and strengthen social protection programs. He also affirmed his intention to ensure that development benefits all regions and social groups across the country.

Security challenges were another central theme of his speech. Facing a growing threat from armed extremist groups operating in the Sahel region, particularly in northern Benin, Wadagni vowed to reinforce national security efforts and deepen cooperation with neighboring states confronting similar threats.

“The country will neither give in to fear nor complacency,” the president declared, signaling a firmer regional security approach.

Against the backdrop of ongoing debates in West Africa over democratic governance and political transitions, Wadagni also reaffirmed his commitment to democratic principles and responsible leadership, stating that political power should never be treated as a personal privilege.

The inauguration ceremony included the official proclamation of the presidential election results by the president of the Constitutional Court, the oath-taking ceremony, military honors, and Wadagni’s first national address as president. He was also formally installed as Grand Master of Benin’s National Orders.

Earlier in the day, the official transfer of power took place at the Palais de la Marina between Patrice Talon and his successor. Following a decade in office, Talon is set to become a senator for life under the constitutional reforms adopted in November 2025.