In his farewell address, Benin’s outgoing President Patrice Talon expressed profound gratitude to the Béninois people for the “demanding journey we dared to undertake together over the past decade.” He highlighted the challenges overcome, reforms implemented, and major projects initiated to strengthen the state and prioritize public action for socioeconomic development.

His full message reads:

My fellow citizens,

This Sunday, May 24, 2026, Mr. Romuald Wadagni will be sworn in as the elected President, officially assuming office. He will then carry the vital mission of guiding our nation toward greater progress and collective and individual well-being.

To him, I extend my sincerest wishes for success in the responsibilities he will shoulder over the next seven years.

As I prepare to leave office, I want to thank each of you from the bottom of my heart. I am deeply proud of the demanding path we have walked together over the past decade—the challenges we faced, the reforms we implemented, and the major projects we launched to strengthen our state and align public action with socioeconomic development.

Admittedly, the journey was not always smooth. Obstacles often littered our path, but these very challenges added to its allure and galvanized our efforts.

Today, the world watches with admiration as we reflect on how far we’ve come. Our hard work and sacrifices are bearing fruit, and this is our collective achievement—Béninois from cities, rural areas, and the diaspora, young and old alike.

Having led this remarkable journey and served our beloved country has been an immense honor for me. My gratitude to Benin and each of you is boundless.

I take this opportunity to publicly acknowledge the invaluable role of a remarkable woman who stood by me with affection and patience, whose mentorship was instrumental. I refer to Mrs. Claudine Gbénagnon Kpoviessi Talon, whom I thank from the depths of my heart.

I also extend my deepest appreciation to all those who surrounded me with love, friendship, and support—each of whom enabled me to give my very best.

As I hand over the reins to President Romuald Wadagni, I share with you my unwavering conviction that under his leadership, our nation will continue to make great strides toward realizing its destiny as a great and thriving country.

To achieve this, I have no doubt that, drawing from our achievements thus far and driven by an unshakable determination to go further, we will rally around him and with him, for the supreme interest of Benin, to conquer new heights of progress that bring well-being, pride, and prosperity to all.

Long live the Republic!

Long live Benin!