Sunday, May 24, 2026, was inauguration day in Benin. President-elect Romuald Wadagni was sworn in that morning before members of the Constitutional Court. The event took place at the Cotonou Convention Center.

Among the guests were former presidents of Benin (Nicéphore Soglo, Boni Yayi), the president of the National Assembly Joseph Djogbénou, his predecessors and the other presidents of the institutions of the Republic.

“We, Cossi Mbueké Romuald Wadagni, solemnly swear to respect and defend the constitution.”

Members of the diplomatic corps and members of Parliament were also present. Dressed in a suit and blue tie, Romuald Wadagni, with his right hand raised, pronounced the sacramental phrase.

“Before God, the ancestors, the nation, and the people of Benin, the sole holders of sovereignty, we, Cossi Mbueké Romuald Wadagni, President of the Republic, elected in accordance with the laws of the Republic, solemnly swear to respect and defend the Constitution freely adopted by the people of Benin, to faithfully fulfill the high functions entrusted to us by the nation, to be guided only by the general interest and respect for human rights, to dedicate all our strength to the pursuit and promotion of development, peace, and national unity, to preserve the integrity of the national territory, and to conduct ourselves everywhere as faithful and loyal servants of the people. In the event of perjury, may we suffer the full force of the law,” declared President Wadagni. The head of the Constitutional Court, Dorothé Sossa, received his oath and officially reinstated him to his duties.

Meanwhile, the guests rose to applaud the new tenant of the Marina Palace.

"National growth only makes sense when it becomes visible in the everyday lives of the population."

He then received the Grand Collar of Grand Master of the National Orders of Benin from Vice-President Mariam Chabi Talata. Following Ms. Talata, the Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces, General Fructueux Gbaguidi, presented himself before the new president to receive the command flag, a symbol of national unity.

A few minutes later, the Beninese number 1 delivered his very first speech.

His remarks suggest that he intends to work to ensure that the people of Benin enjoy the fruits of the country's growth.

“My dear compatriots, after the work of revelation and transformation undertaken, our duty is now clear: to ensure that the renewed strength of our State is reflected more clearly in the daily lives of every Beninese family. Our economy has progressed, that is a fact, but we all know that national growth only has meaning when it becomes visible in the ordinary lives of the people, when a young person finds an opportunity in their usual environment. Growth is perceptible when a mother can care for her child without fearing the cost of treatment,” declared Romuald Wadagni.

"Our region is experiencing hours of serious tension with the rise of terrorism. But I can assure you that Benin will not give in to fear or complacency."

For him, "the development of Benin must be experienced in every component of the city, in every part of the territory of the Republic."

He promises social protection for farmers and pledges to fight firmly against terrorism that threatens the country's northern borders.

“Our region is experiencing hours of serious tension with the rise of terrorism. But I can assure you that Benin will not give in to fear or complacency. The State will be firm in the face of anything that threatens our cohesion and security. We will continue to invest in our Defense and Security Forces and, above all, we will also build security through the development of basic social services, the provision of local economic opportunities, and the maintenance of an effective State presence throughout the territory,” declared the new president.

The message to the neighbors of the AES

He also wishes to collaborate with neighboring countries and those in the sub-region for an effective fight against armed terrorist groups.

“To our brotherly countries in Africa, and first and foremost to our neighbors in the sub-region, whose presence at our side I wish to acknowledge here, as it brings us great joy. I wish to reiterate the message of fraternity from the people of Benin. My conviction is that in a sub-region confronted with terrorism, we are destined to work together,” declared the Beninese leader. He reiterated his willingness to act with these neighboring countries to overcome terrorism.