The outgoing President of Bénin, Patrice Talon, presided over his last Council of Ministers on Wednesday, May 13, 2026, at the Palais de la Marina. The historic session included the presence of the president-elect, Romuald Wadagni, who joined the meeting as the country prepares for a new political era.
The final gathering of the government before the transition, scheduled for May 24, was described as emotionally charged. During the discussions, Patrice Talon expressed his gratitude to the ministers for their dedication to the reforms launched in 2016. “I ask you to forgive any harshness you may have experienced due to my approach. It was driven solely by my determination to achieve the highest standards,” he stated, acknowledging the challenges faced by his team.
The outgoing leader also reflected on his governance style, admitting to a strict oversight of public affairs. He emphasized that this firmness was necessary to meet the ambitious goals set for Bénin‘s administration.
Continuity promised by the incoming administration
The presence of Romuald Wadagni at the meeting underscored the spirit of continuity in the country’s leadership. A former Minister of Economy and Finance under Talon, the president-elect praised the outgoing administration’s decade-long achievements. He also pledged to sustain key projects across multiple sectors, declaring, “The national transformation we’ve begun will continue with the same commitment to excellence.”
This pre-inauguration participation in a Council of Ministers reflects the seamless transition planned for the coming days. Patrice Talon’s second and final term, which began in 2016 and was renewed in 2021, will conclude on May 24, 2026.
Preparations for the handover of power
The meeting concluded with a warm farewell among the executive members at the Palais de la Marina. This session marked the formal end of Patrice Talon‘s government activities ahead of the leadership transition.
The official swearing-in ceremony for Romuald Wadagni is set for May 24, 2026, at the Palais des Congrès in Cotonou, as stipulated by the national electoral calendar for the incoming president’s inauguration.