In his farewell message, the outgoing President of Benin expressed heartfelt thanks to the people of Benin for the challenging journey they have undertaken together over the past decade. He highlighted the reforms implemented and major projects launched to strengthen the state and prioritize public action for socio-economic development.

Below is the full text of his address:

My dear compatriots,

This Sunday, May 24, 2026, our elected President, Mr. Romuald Wadagni, will be sworn in to formally assume his duties. He will then take on the delicate and inspiring mission of guiding our nation toward greater progress and collective and individual well-being.

In this regard, I wish to reiterate my warmest wishes for success in his upcoming seven-year term.

As I prepare to leave office, I want to express my deepest gratitude to you all. I am immensely proud of the demanding path we have courageously walked together over the past decade—the challenges overcome, the reforms implemented, and the major projects initiated to strengthen our state and ensure public action serves our socio-economic development.

The journey has not always been easy. It has often been fraught with obstacles, but these very challenges have given it its unique charm and spurred us on.

Today, as the world looks on with admiration and expresses its respect for our achievements, we can see how far we have come. Our efforts and sacrifices are gradually bearing fruit. This is thanks to all of us—Beninese men and women from cities, rural areas, and the diaspora, young and old alike.

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

In the presence of all of you, I must acknowledge the invaluable role played by a remarkable woman who accompanied me with affection and patience, whose coaching was instrumental in my journey. I refer to Mrs. Claudine Gbénagnon Kpoviessi Talon, whom I thank from the bottom of my heart.

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

As I hand over the reins to President Romuald Wadagni, I am confident that under his leadership, our nation will take even greater strides toward fulfilling its destiny as a great nation.

To achieve this, I have no doubt that, building on our accomplishments and driven by our unwavering determination to go further, we will unite around him and with him, in the supreme interest of Benin, to conquer new frontiers of progress that bring well-being, pride, and prosperity to all.

Long live the Republic!

Long live Benin!