Romuald Wadagni has been inaugurated as Benin’s new president. The 49-year-old former finance minister, who served in that role for a decade, won April’s election with more than 94% of the vote. He succeeds Patrice Talon, who stepped down after two constitutionally permitted terms. Wadagni is widely expected to continue Talon’s reform agenda, which drove steady growth and improved Benin’s business climate. In his inauguration speech, Wadagni acknowledged that the country’s economic expansion has not sufficiently improved daily life for many citizens and promised greater focus on jobs, social protection, and access to basic services. He warned that Benin would not “yield to fear” as jihadist violence spilling from the Sahel increasingly threatens the country’s north. Wadagni also emphasized his commitment to democratic governance, warning that political power must never become a personal privilege.
Reuters
