President Romuald Wadagni of Bénin convened the inaugural Council of Ministers meeting for his 2026-2033 septennate on Thursday, May 28, 2026. Just days following his official investiture as the nation’s leader, the newly formed government assembled at the Palais de la Marina to receive fundamental guidance from the head of state.
During this pivotal inaugural session, President Wadagni extended his congratulations to the recently appointed ministers, now entrusted with spearheading public action for the upcoming mandate. The Béninese leader underscored that their executive roles represent a profound mission dedicated to serving the Nation, emphatically stating that it is “in no way a personal privilege.”
The head of state also highlighted the core principles destined to guide the performance of governmental duties. He urged his ministerial team to embody utmost sobriety, unwavering integrity, and steadfast solidarity, while resolutely setting aside all partisan or personal considerations in the management of public affairs.
Addressing regional disparities and bolstering national security
Throughout this initial government assembly, Romuald Wadagni articulated several key priorities for his seven-year term. The President placed particular emphasis on the imperative for a more equitable distribution of development across the entire national territory.
He tasked his governmental team with sustaining and amplifying policies aimed at progressively narrowing the gaps between various communes. This comprehensive approach will encompass the deployment of modern infrastructure, enhanced access to essential public services, and increased investments in local territorial communities.
National security also emerged as a paramount focus announced during this Council of Ministers. The Béninese President enjoined the government to maintain robust efforts in defending and protecting the territory, especially given that recent armed attacks in the country’s northern regions continue to intensely engage defense and security forces.
A reformed structure for governmental operations
The new executive additionally plans a significant overhaul of its governmental operational framework. In alignment with decisions made during this gathering, the Council of Ministers will henceforth convene in ordinary session once a month, specifically on the first Wednesday. Extraordinary sessions may, however, be called should circumstances demand.
The Interministerial Committee, for its part, will hold its meetings twice monthly, on the first and third Mondays. The government also intends to organize joint sessions, bringing together the Interministerial Committee, the Council of Ministers, and sectoral ministers, to deliberate on specific and complex dossiers.
This inaugural governmental meeting thus officially marks the commencement of the institutional functioning for the new septennate, initiated after Romuald Wadagni’s oath of office on May 24, 2026.