Politics: What Beninese People Appreciate in Romuald Wadagni’s First Quarter at the Head of State

The Beninese appreciate the initial assessment marking the first ninety days of governance by President Romuald Wadagni, who took office after being endorsed with over 94% of the vote.

This first quarter spent in the presidential seat is positively received by all Beninese. It is characterized by major reforms and a clear commitment to closeness with the citizens.

On the social front, the executive has taken several strong decisions directly affecting the daily lives of Beninese:

• ​Fees and Health: Reduction of fees in modern markets and the establishment of coverage for vital emergencies in hospitals supported by a deferred payment mechanism and a disbursement of one billion CFA francs.
• ​Education and Agriculture: Generalization of free secondary education for all girls starting in the 2026-2027 school year, implementation of crop insurance, and announcement of a welfare and retirement scheme for agricultural producers.
• ​Social Aid and Justice: Project for a social benefits platform linked to a national household registry to target vulnerable populations, complemented by a series of prisoner releases.

A Governance Approach Focused on the Field and Diplomacy

Romuald Wadagni prioritized direct listening by visiting units of Operation Mirador, health facilities, universities, and engaging directly with the population, even going so far as to speak by phone with citizens in difficulty or those who distinguished themselves positively in international competitions.

On the diplomatic front, the head of state conducted a series of trips in the sub-region, notably to Nigeria, Niger, Burkina Faso, Togo, Côte d’Ivoire, Senegal, Guinea-Bissau, and Mali.

This diplomatic offensive enabled progress with the countries of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) and helped ease regional tensions.

Outlook and Deployment of the PAG 2026-2033

While the Government Action Program (PAG) 2033 is set to begin its effective deployment in September 2026, this initial period was also marked by a restructuring of ministries and the pace of cabinet meetings.

This path taken by Romuald Wadagni aims to combine economic growth and social justice, heralding, according to many Beninese, a profound transformation of Beninese society during this seven-year term.

This momentum in the social sector is widely appreciated. The head of state is encouraged to continue in this direction by working toward the unity of the country’s sons and daughters through even stronger measures in favor of exiles and political prisoners.