Before handing over power, Patrice Talon bids farewell to the people of Benin and calls for support for the president-elect.
He thanked his people for their resilience.
Written by: Mohammed Omran
The outgoing president directed BeninPatrice Talon addressed his fellow citizens on Thursday, May 21, 2026, a few days before officially handing over the reins of power, via his Facebook page.
A farewell message from Patrice Talon on the eve of the inauguration of the new president, Romuald Wadani
His message expressed his gratitude, pride, and optimism for the country's future, as President-elect Romuald Wadani prepares to be sworn in on Sunday, May 24, 2026.
As he prepares to leave office, the head of state has not hidden his pride in the progress made since 2016.
In his address to his “dear citizens,” he praised the courage and resilience of the people of Benin, who accepted the necessary sacrifices for development.
The outgoing president wrote: “I would like to express my deepest gratitude to you from the bottom of my heart, and to express my great pride in you for the long and arduous journey we have undertaken together over the past ten years, for the challenges we have faced, the reforms we have implemented, and the major projects we have accomplished.”.
The outgoing president acknowledged that the road “has not always been easy” and that it is “full of obstacles,” but he is pleased to see Benin today enjoying international admiration, attributing this collective achievement to the Beninese people in cities, rural areas and the diaspora.
He made a point of publicly praising the pivotal role played by his wife, Mrs. Claudine Gbenagnon Kapovici Talon.
The President highlighted her “guidance,” affection, and patience, which were a great support to him throughout his two terms in office. He also expressed his gratitude to his colleagues, friends, and everyone who supported him behind the scenes.
He also expressed his full support for President-elect Romuald Wadani, who will begin his seven-year presidential term next Sunday.
For this purpose, President Talon called on all the active forces in Benin to rally around the new head of state.
