Former Finance Minister of Benin, Romuald Wadagni, has officially been sworn in as the country’s new president, succeeding his former boss, Patrice Talon.
Wadagni, a respected economist and technocrat, won the April 12 presidential election with an overwhelming 94 percent of the votes.
His only opponent, Paul Hounkpe, was easily defeated, while the main opposition party reportedly failed to participate due to internal divisions and endorsement issues.
Speaking during his inauguration on Sunday, Wadagni pledged to lead the country with integrity, courage and commitment.
“I will serve Benin with integrity, courage and commitment,” he declared.
The 49-year-old president now begins a seven-year term following a constitutional reform that extended the presidential tenure from five to seven years.
Wadagni is widely seen as a continuation of Patrice Talon’s administration, especially after spending a decade as finance minister overseeing economic reforms in the country.
During his time in office, Benin reportedly improved its public finances and reduced its budget deficit significantly.
Despite the country’s economic growth, Benin still faces serious challenges, including poverty, insecurity and violent attacks linked to jihadist groups operating in the northern region.
The new president vowed to confront insecurity head-on and maintain national unity.
“Benin will not give in to fear nor complacency,” Wadagni said during his speech.
His administration is also expected to rebuild stronger ties with neighbouring Niger and Burkina Faso, both currently under military rule and battling insurgency.
The presence of Niger’s Prime Minister, Ali Lamine Zeine, at the inauguration was seen as a sign of improving relations between the countries.
