Romuald Wadagni.Image: keystone
April 12, 2026, 7:25 a.mApril 12, 2026, 7:25 a.m
A few months after a foiled coup attempt, the West African coastal state of Benin elects a new president. Observers expect a victory for Finance Minister Romuald Wadagni (49), who was sent into the race as protégé and successor by incumbent Patrice Talon. After ten years at the helm of Nigeria’s small French-speaking neighbor, Talon himself is no longer allowed to compete.
Under Talon, Benin’s approximately 15 million inhabitants, most of whom live from cotton and cashew cultivation, experienced considerable economic growth, but also restrictions on political freedoms. The weakened and disunited opposition is only sending one opponent into the race. The governing coalition won all seats in the parliamentary elections in January.
Islamist terror in the north of the country
In December, a group of mutinous soldiers announced a coup on state television. The government and the rest of the military regained the upper hand within a few hours. Nigeria helped with air strikes and a task force as part of the regional community of states Ecowas. Several dozen suspects accused of involvement are in custody.
The putschists cited, among other things, the deteriorating security situation in the north of the country as their motivation. Islamist terrorist groups from the northern bordering states of Burkina Faso and Niger are increasingly expanding there, finding shelter in densely forested nature reserves along the border. Despite increased deployment, Benin experienced its deadliest attack to date last year, with 54 soldiers killed. (sda/dpa)