In his farewell message released by Benin’s outgoing President on May 21, 2026, Patrice Talon expressed deep gratitude to the people of Benin. He highlighted their collective journey over the past decade, noting the challenges overcome, reforms implemented, and major projects undertaken to strengthen the state and prioritize public action for socioeconomic development.

Here is the full text:

My dear compatriots,

This coming Sunday, May 24, 2026, our elected President, Mr. Romuald Wadagni, will be sworn in, officially taking office. He will then assume the delicate and inspiring mission of guiding our nation toward greater progress and collective and individual well-being.

To him, I would like to extend my warmest wishes for success in his upcoming seven-year term.

As I prepare to leave office, I want to express my heartfelt thanks to you all. I am immensely proud of the demanding path we have dared to take together over the past decade—overcoming challenges, implementing reforms, and launching major projects to strengthen our state and align public action with socioeconomic development.

Admittedly, the journey has not always been easy. It has often been fraught with obstacles, but these very challenges have made the journey rewarding and motivated us to press on.

Looking back, we can see, as the rest of the world has recognized with admiration, the progress we have made. Our efforts and sacrifices are gradually bearing fruit. This is a testament to all of us—Béninoises and Béninois from cities, rural areas, and the diaspora, young and old alike.

Having led this remarkable adventure as head of state has been an immense honor. My gratitude to Benin and to each of you is boundless.

I would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge the invaluable role of a remarkable woman who accompanied me with unwavering affection and patience, whose guidance has been instrumental. I refer to Mrs. Claudine Gbénagnon Kpoviessi, wife of Talon, whom I thank from the bottom of my heart.

I also extend my deepest appreciation to everyone who has surrounded me with love, friendship, and support—all of which enabled me to give my best.

As I hand over the reins to President Romuald Wadagni, I am confident that under his leadership, our country will continue to make great strides toward fulfilling its destiny: to become a great nation.

To achieve this, I have no doubt that, drawing on our achievements to date and driven by an unshakable desire to advance further, we will unite around him and with him, in the supreme interest of Benin, to conquer new frontiers of progress that bring well-being, pride, and prosperity to all.

Long live the Republic!

Long live Benin!