Romuald Wadagni, a 49-year-old economist, has been sworn in as the new President of Benin following a landslide victory in the April 12 presidential election. Securing an overwhelming 94% of the vote, Wadagni’s sole opponent, politician Paul Hounkpe, conceded defeat, and Hounkpe’s party later formed a coalition with the ruling parliamentary bloc.
The inauguration ceremony drew over 6,000 attendees, including high-ranking state officials, constitutional body members, diplomats, and former Presidents Nicéphore Soglo and Thomas Boni Yayi.
The presence of Niger’s Prime Minister Ali Mahaman Lamine Zeine at the event was widely interpreted as a gesture of reconciliation, signaling efforts to mend strained relations between Benin and its northern neighbor after months of diplomatic friction.
a new mandate and a commitment to national unity
Under the 2025 constitutional amendment, presidential terms in Benin have been extended from five to seven years, though the two-term limit remains unchanged. Wadagni, who becomes the fifth president since Benin’s democratic transition began in 1990, took his oath of office before Chief Justice Dorothe Sossa, pledging to uphold the Constitution, preserve peace, strengthen national cohesion, and govern with integrity.
In his inaugural address, he declared, “Benin will not yield to fear or complacency. Our government will act decisively against any forces threatening our security and unity.”
Beyond domestic stability, Wadagni emphasized the importance of improving regional ties, particularly with neighboring nations led by military governments, such as Niger and Burkina Faso.
economic stewardship and social challenges
Taking office amid sustained economic growth, Benin still faces pressing social inequalities and security threats in its northern regions. Before entering politics, Wadagni held a senior position at Deloitte, one of the world’s leading audit firms.
His political career gained momentum after President Patrice Talon assumed office in 2016. Wadagni was first appointed Minister of Economy and Finance, a role he retained in 2021 and later evolved into the position of Prime Minister. Over nearly a decade leading the country’s financial sector, he played a pivotal role in implementing economic reforms that helped reduce the national budget deficit to approximately 3% of GDP.
As he begins his term, Wadagni’s agenda centers on consolidating fiscal stability, addressing regional security concerns, and fostering inclusive development to ensure prosperity reaches all corners of Benin.
