Former Beninese finance minister, Romuald Wadagni, has been officially sworn in as the President of Benin, marking the beginning of a new political era in the West African nation.
Wadagni, a 49-year-old economist and widely regarded technocrat, succeeds his predecessor and former boss, Patrice Talon, following the April 12 presidential election in which he secured a dominant 94 per cent of the vote.
His only challenger, Paul Hounkpe, was decisively defeated in the poll, while his party later aligned with Wadagni’s political bloc in parliament, further consolidating his political position.
The main opposition party, The Democrats, did not participate in the election after reportedly failing to secure the required endorsements and amid internal party divisions.
Speaking during his inauguration ceremony in Cotonou on Sunday, Wadagni pledged to govern with integrity, accountability, and a strong sense of public duty.
“I will serve Benin with integrity, courage and commitment. I will serve with the constant knowledge that power is never a personal privilege,” he said.
His assumption of office comes at a time when Benin has recorded steady economic growth over the past decade, but continues to face inequality challenges and rising insecurity in its northern region, where jihadist-linked attacks have intensified.
Wadagni’s inauguration also ushers in a new seven-year presidential term following a recent constitutional amendment that extended the tenure from five years. Presidents remain limited to two terms in office.
During his tenure as finance minister, he was credited with implementing fiscal reforms that reduced Benin’s budget deficit to around three per cent of GDP, strengthening macroeconomic stability.
He also pledged to take a firm stance on insecurity, particularly attacks attributed to the al-Qaeda-linked Group for the Support of Islam and Muslims (JNIM), which has expanded its operations in northern Benin.
“Benin will not give in to fear nor complacency. The government will be firm against all those who threaten our unity and security,” he added.
The new president is also expected to focus on improving diplomatic relations with neighbouring junta-led states, including Niger and Burkina Faso.
In a notable diplomatic gesture, Niger’s Prime Minister Ali Mahaman Lamine Zeine attended the inauguration ceremony, where his presence drew applause from attendees, signalling potential warming ties between the countries.
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