Author: Ousmane Tandja

The inauguration ceremony in Benin began with the solemn announcement of the presidential election results by the Constitutional Court, which presided from a specially arranged podium. Moments later, the nation’s attention turned to the highly anticipated oath-taking moment. Romuald Wadagni stepped forward, dressed in a dark suit with a navy-blue tie, his right hand raised as he took the presidential oath. With a clear voice, he pledged to « uphold and defend the Constitution », accepting the legal consequences of any breach. The ceremony was marked by a traditional salute…

Bénin’s peaceful transition: a democratic model for west africa Bénin has presented Africa with one of the most compelling political spectacles of 2026. This Sunday, May 24, in an atmosphere of republican solemnity rarely observed across the continent, Romuald Wadagni officially took the oath as the new President of the Republic, succeeding Patrice Talon after two mandates meticulously conducted in accordance with constitutional provisions. Beyond the formal proceedings, a profound political statement resonated across West Africa and well beyond. It conveyed the message of an orderly, peaceful, and institutionally managed…

Romuald Wadagni, set to celebrate his 50th birthday next month, has officially commenced his renewable seven-year term as Bénin’s president. Following his formal declaration as elected by the chief clerk of the Constitutional Court, he was sworn in on Sunday morning. The brief ceremony took place at the presidential palace in Cotonou, the economic capital, notably without the presence of any foreign heads of state, mirroring recent past inaugurations. His election on April 12 had largely been a procedural matter, as he faced only one minor challenger, Paul Hounkpè. Hounkpè’s…

The Government of Niger has terminated its decades-long partnership with French uranium giant Orano Mining, replacing it with a state-owned entity to oversee the nation’s uranium reserves. In a decisive move, the Council of Ministers approved the establishment of Teloua Safeguarding Uranium Mining Company (TSUMCO SA), a national company that will now manage the Arlit mining concession—a uranium-rich site operated by Orano since 1978 under a 75-year agreement. This strategic decision follows the nationalization of SOMAIR, another Orano-controlled mining operation, which had already come under state control in mid-2025. The…