Romuald Wadagni Sworn in as President of Benin

Former finance minister Romuald Wadagni was sworn in as president of Benin on Sunday, succeeding Patrice Talon in a ceremony held in Cotonou.

Wadagni, 49, won the 12 April presidential election with 94 per cent of the vote. 

He stood as the continuity candidate for Talon’s administration and was widely seen as a technocrat with a background in economics.

His only challenger, Paul Hounkpe, was defeated by a wide margin. 

Hounkpe’s party later aligned with Wadagni’s camp in parliament. 

The main opposition party, The Democrats, did not take part after reportedly failing to secure the required endorsements and amid internal divisions.

Speaking at his inauguration, Wadagni pledged to lead with integrity and accountability. 

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"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.

Wadagni takes office as Benin records strong economic growth over the past decade, but continues to face inequality and insecurity in the north. 

Attacks linked to jihadist groups have been a persistent challenge in the region.

His term begins under a constitutional amendment passed last year that extended the presidential mandate from five to seven years, while presidents remain limited to two terms.

During his 10 years as finance minister, Wadagni oversaw fiscal reforms that reduced Benin’s budget deficit to 3 per cent of Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

He vowed the government would take a firm stance on security threats in the north, particularly those attributed to the al-Qaeda-linked Group for the Support of Islam and Muslims (JNIM).

"Benin will not give in to fear nor complacency. The government will be firm against all those who threaten our unity and security," he said.

The new president is also expected to seek improved relations with neighbouring junta-led states, including Niger and Burkina Faso.

Niger’s prime minister, Ali Mahaman Lamine Zeine, attended the ceremony and received applause from those present.