Patrice Talon Takes Helm of Benin’s New Senate

Porto-Novo, 6 August 2026 - Former Beninese President Patrice Talon has been elected the first President of the country’s newly established Senate, marking the formal launch of Benin’s new upper legislative chamber.

Talon secured 24 votes, with no votes against and one abstention, and will serve a five-year term running until 2031. Former National Assembly President Louis Vlavonou was elected Vice President, while former Security Minister Alassane Seidou became Secretary and Adidjatou Mathys Deputy Secretary.

Following his election, Talon pledged to promote national unity, stability, peace and democracy. His election completes the formation of the Senate after senators were sworn in on 30 July in Porto-Novo and adopted the institution’s internal rules.

The Constitutional Court approved those rules on 3 August, clearing the way for the leadership elections. The Senate was created through a constitutional amendment adopted on 17 December 2025, which transformed Benin’s Parliament from a unicameral to a bicameral system.

Talon, 68, led Benin from 2016 to 2026, completing the two constitutional terms allowed. He was succeeded by Romuald Wadagni, who assumed the presidency on 24 May 2026.