Former finance minister Romuald Wadagni has officially assumed office as President of Benin, succeeding his predecessor and former political ally, Patrice Talon.
Wadagni, a 49-year-old economist widely viewed as a technocratic figure and continuity candidate for Talon’s administration, secured a landslide victory in the April 12 presidential election after polling 94 per cent of the votes cast.
His only rival in the election, Paul Hounkpe, suffered a heavy defeat, while Hounkpe’s political platform later moved to align with Wadagni’s camp in parliament.
The country’s main opposition party, The Democrats, did not participate in the election process after reportedly failing to obtain the endorsements required for candidacy and facing internal political challenges.
Speaking during his inauguration ceremony in Cotonou, Wadagni pledged to lead with accountability and integrity as he begins a new administration.
