By: Tunji Okunlola
Romuald Wadagni was inaugurated as Benin’s president on Sunday in Cotonou, succeeding Patrice Talon, under whom he served for a decade as finance minister.
The 49-year-old economist won the April 12 presidential election with 94 per cent of the vote, defeating his sole challenger, Paul Hounkpe, whose party subsequently aligned with Wadagni’s camp in parliament. The main opposition group, The Democrats, sat out the election after failing to secure the required endorsements amid internal divisions.
In his inauguration address, Wadagni pledged to govern with integrity. “I will serve Benin with integrity, courage and commitment. Power is never a personal privilege,” he said.
He inherits a country that has posted strong economic growth over the past decade but continues to face inequality and a jihadist insurgency in its north. He vowed a firm response to attacks linked to al-Qaeda-affiliated Group for the Support of Islam and Muslims (JNIM). “Benin will not give in to fear nor complacency,” he said.
As finance minister, Wadagni oversaw fiscal reforms that brought the budget deficit down to three per cent of GDP.
He takes office under a constitutional amendment passed last year that extends the presidential term from five to seven years, with a two-term limit remaining in place.
Regional relations featured prominently at the ceremony. Niger’s prime minister, Ali Mahaman Lamine Zeine, attended and received a warm reception which is a signal of tentative rapprochement between Benin and its junta-led neighbours, Niger and Burkina Faso.
Tags: #Benin Republic #Romuald Wadagni