Benin president patrice talon reflects on decade of reforms at final cabinet meeting

At the Palais de la Marina in Cotonou, President Patrice Talon presided over his final cabinet meeting on Wednesday, May 13, 2026, marking the culmination of two consecutive terms in office. The session brought together outgoing ministers alongside President-elect Romuald Wadagni, who attended as a symbolic gesture ahead of the upcoming transition of power.

The meeting unfolded in an emotionally charged atmosphere, reflecting both gratitude and the weight of a decade of governance. Addressing his cabinet, Talon expressed appreciation for their dedication to the sweeping reforms implemented since 2016. « While my approach may have sometimes come across as unyielding, it was driven solely by the determination to achieve ambitious results for our nation », he shared, acknowledging the challenges faced by his team.

In his closing remarks, the outgoing leader reflected on the principles guiding his administration. He emphasized that the firmness in policy enforcement was essential to meeting the nation’s development goals and ensuring accountability across government sectors.

Romuald Wadagni affirms commitment to ongoing national transformation

The presence of Romuald Wadagni at the meeting underscored a spirit of continuity in governance. Having previously served as Minister of Economy and Finance under Talon’s administration, Wadagni praised the progress made during the past ten years. He reassured the cabinet that the transformative projects underway across key sectors would remain a priority in his upcoming administration. « The national development agenda will advance without compromise, upholding the same standards of excellence », he stated.

His participation in the meeting, held just days before Talon’s official departure, signaled a seamless handover process and a shared vision for the country’s future.

Transition of power scheduled for May 24 in Cotonou

The final cabinet meeting concluded with a moment of camaraderie among officials, bringing closure to Patrice Talon’s tenure at the helm of government. The official transfer of leadership to Romuald Wadagni is set for May 24, 2026, with the incoming president scheduled to be sworn in at the Palais des Congrès in Cotonou, in accordance with the national electoral calendar.