With a resounding 94% of the vote in the April 12 presidential election, Romuald Wadagni has officially begun his leadership of Bénin. His sole opponent, politician Paul Hounkpe, conceded defeat, and Hounkpe’s party later joined forces with the ruling parliamentary group, signaling a potential shift toward broader political cohesion.
The inauguration ceremony drew over 6,000 attendees, including high-ranking state officials, members of the constitutional body, foreign diplomats, and former presidents Nicéphore Soglo and Thomas Boni Yayi. Notably, the attendance of Niger’s Prime Minister Ali Mahaman Lamine Zeine was interpreted as a gesture of reconciliation, following months of strained relations between the two nations.
a constitutional commitment to continuity and change
Under the 2025 constitutional amendment, the presidential term has been extended from five to seven years, though the two-term limit remains unchanged. Wadagni, now Bénin’s fifth president since the democratic transition began in 1990, took the oath of office before Dorothe Sossa, Chief Justice of the Constitutional Court. In his inaugural address, he emphasized his dedication to upholding the Constitution, preserving peace, and fostering national unity.
« Bénin will not yield to fear or complacency, » he declared. « The government will take decisive action against any forces that threaten our security or cohesion. »
While security remains a top priority, the new administration has also signaled its intention to strengthen diplomatic ties with neighboring military-led governments, including those in Niger and Burkina Faso, to enhance regional stability.
economic stewardship and social challenges
Wadagni assumes office amid steady economic growth, yet significant social disparities and security threats persist, particularly in the northern regions. Before entering politics, he worked at Deloitte, one of the world’s leading audit firms. His political career took off in 2016 when he was appointed Minister of Economy and Finance under former President Patrice Talon. He held the role until 2021 and later served as Principal Minister, overseeing critical economic policies.
During nearly a decade at the helm of Bénin’s financial sector, Wadagni played a pivotal role in implementing reforms that reduced the budget deficit to approximately 3% of GDP. His leadership in fiscal policy has been widely credited with reinforcing macroeconomic stability in the country.
