Patrice talon outlines vision as Bénin’s first senate president

Former Head of State Patrice Talon delivered his inaugural address to senators gathered at the Palais des Gouverneurs in Porto-Novo, following his election on Thursday, August 6, 2026, as the President of the Republic of Bénin’s newly established Senate. In his remarks, Talon urged members to cultivate the institution into a cohesive “family” united by principles of consensus and shared responsibility.

Just two months after transferring power to Romuald Wadagni, Patrice Talon has returned to an official capacity. On Thursday, senators in Porto-Novo elected him to lead the upper house of Parliament for a five-year term. He will serve alongside Louis Vlavonou, who was chosen as Vice-President, and Alassane Seidou, appointed as Rapporteur.

Addressing his peers, the former president expressed gratitude for their trust, then called for the Senate to become “a family founded on consensus, conviviality, and responsibility.” He commended the positive atmosphere surrounding the bureau’s election, stating, “We have all experienced an extraordinary ambiance over the past few days that has erased our differences.”

Patrice Talon affirmed his commitment to leveraging his extensive experience for the institution’s benefit. “I want to assure you of my readiness, indeed my dedication, to ensure the smooth operation of a Senate that will feel like a family to us,” he declared. He outlined four strategic priorities for this new mandate: strengthening national unity, political stability, peace, and democracy across Bénin.

The newly elected Bénin Senate President concluded his speech with a call for collective vigilance. “I intend to rely on each of you to hold us accountable whenever we fall short of expectations,” he emphasized.

This significant election took place a week after the Senate’s official inauguration on July 30, and followed the Constitutional Court’s validation of its internal regulations on August 3.