Benin’s Finance Minister Romuald Wadagni is poised to win the presidential election on Sunday, succeeding outgoing President Patrice Talon. Wadagni, 49, has been a key figure in Talon’s government, implementing economic reforms and tripling the national budget.
His campaign promises include creating development hubs, expanding healthcare, and strengthening security in the north, where jihadist attacks have been increasing.
Wadagni’s path to victory has been eased by the weakened opposition, with his main rival, Paul Hounkpe, criticizing Talon’s economic policies. The election comes after a failed coup attempt in December, which highlighted Benin’s security concerns.
Wadagni has vowed to create municipal police forces in northern border towns to combat jihadist threats.
