Benin's new president, Romuald Wadagni, vowed at his inauguration on Sunday to confront rising security threats and to ensure economic growth translated into concrete improvements in people's lives.
Wadagni was elected on April 12 with more than 94% of the vote against challenger Paul Hounkpe, according to results confirmed on Sunday by the Constitutional Court, Reuters reported.
He succeeds Patrice Talon, who had led the West African nation since 2016 and stepped down after two terms, in line with constitutional limits.
The 49-year-old former finance minister, who served in the role for a decade, is expected to continue Talon’s reform agenda, which helped deliver steady economic growth and improve Benin’s business climate.
Wadagni also acknowledged mounting security challenges, as jihadist groups spilling over from the Sahel have stepped up attacks in northern Benin in recent years.
“Benin will not yield to fear or complacency,” he said, pledging closer cooperation with neighbouring countries facing the same threat.
Niger, Burkina Faso and Mali, the Sahel states at the centre of that threat, were among several countries represented at the ceremony.
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