Benin president Patrice Talon’s final cabinet meeting highlights
On the morning of May 13, 2026, Benin’s head of state Patrice Talon presided over his final cabinet meeting at the Palais de la Marina in Cotonou. The historic gathering brought together outgoing ministers and Romuald Wadagni, the president-elect, marking the final chapter of Talon’s decade-long administration.
The session unfolded in an atmosphere thick with emotion as the outgoing president expressed his gratitude to his cabinet for their unwavering dedication to the reforms initiated in 2016. « I ask for your understanding if my approach sometimes tested your patience. My resolve was rooted in a desire to achieve the highest possible standards », Talon remarked, acknowledging the personal sacrifices made by his team.
Reflecting on his governance style, the outgoing leader defended his firm stance on public sector accountability, emphasizing that such rigor was essential to meeting the ambitious targets set for Benin’s administrative modernization. His words underscored the challenges faced in steering the country through transformative policies over two consecutive terms.
Continuity pledged as president-elect takes part in final cabinet
The presence of Romuald Wadagni—former Finance Minister and newly elected successor—stood as a symbolic gesture of policy continuity. Wadagni praised the outgoing administration’s achievements, particularly in economic governance and infrastructure development. « The national transformation agenda we’ve embarked upon must continue with the same rigor and vision », he stated, signaling his commitment to sustaining key initiatives.
This unprecedented inclusion of the president-elect in a sitting cabinet meeting ahead of formal inauguration demonstrated both political maturity and a commitment to smooth transition. With Benin’s presidential election concluded and Wadagni poised to assume office, the meeting served as a bridge between past and future leadership.
Transition ceremony set for May 24, 2026
The final cabinet meeting concluded with a moment of camaraderie among ministers, a fitting farewell before the formal handover of power. Scheduled for May 24, 2026, the official transfer of authority will take place at the Palais des Congrès in Cotonou, where Wadagni will be sworn in as the new President of Benin, per constitutional protocol.
As Talon’s second term officially draws to a close, the nation now prepares for a new chapter under Wadagni’s leadership, with the outgoing president leaving behind a legacy of structural reforms and economic stabilization.
