New President promises better security and economic growth

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, reports US News. Wadagni was elected on 12 April ‌with more than 94% of ‌the vote against challenger Paul Hounkpe, according to results confirmed on Sunday ⁠by the ⁠Constitutional Court. 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. He pledged to focus on job creation, access to basic services and social protection. Wadagni also acknowledged mounting security challenges, as jihadist groups spilling over ⁠from the Sahel have stepped up attacks in northern Benin in recent years. Niger, Burkina Faso and Mali, the Sahel states at the centre of that threat, were among several countries represented at the ceremony. In a region where some leaders have sought to extend their stay in power, Wadagni also stressed ⁠his commitment to democratic norms.