List of Presidents of Benin: Past and Present

Last updated November 2026

This page lists the presidents and heads of state of Benin from 1960 to the present, with the years each leader was in office and a short summary of their time in power. Use it to find the current president of Benin, former presidents, and key dates in the country's political history.

Current president of Benin: Romuald Wadagni (in office since 2026).

Presidents of Benin in order, with years in office

Hubert Maga

Served: 1960–1963, 1970–1972

First president of Dahomey from 1960 until he was deposed in October 1963; later chaired the Presidential Council from 1970 to 1972.

Sourou-Migan Apithy

Served: 1964–1965

President from 25 January 1964 until his resignation on 27 November 1965.

Paul-Émile de Souza

Served: 1969–1970

Military officer who chaired the ruling Directory for 145 days.

Justin Ahomadégbé-Tomêtin

Served: 1972

Chaired the Presidential Council from May until he was deposed in the coup of 26 October 1972.

Mathieu Kérékou

Served: 1972–1991, 1996–2006

Seized power in 1972 and led a Marxist-Leninist state; lost the 1991 election, then returned by winning in 1996 and 2001.

Nicéphore Soglo

Served: 1991–1996

Prime minister who won the first multiparty election in 1991; lost to Kérékou in 1996.

Thomas Boni Yayi

Served: 2006–2016

Served two terms from April 2006 to April 2016.

Patrice Talon

Served: 2016–2026

Businessman who won in 2016, was re-elected in 2021 and stepped down on 24 May 2026.

Romuald Wadagni

Served: 2026–present

Finance minister from 2016 who won the 12 April 2026 election with over 94% of the vote and was sworn in on 24 May 2026.

Frequently asked questions about the presidents of Benin

Who is the current president of Benin?

The current head of state of Benin is Romuald Wadagni, in office since 2026.

Who were the previous presidents of Benin?

The presidents and heads of state of Benin listed on this page, in order, are: Hubert Maga, Sourou-Migan Apithy, Paul-Émile de Souza, Justin Ahomadégbé-Tomêtin, Mathieu Kérékou, Nicéphore Soglo, Thomas Boni Yayi, Patrice Talon, Romuald Wadagni.

Who was the first president of Benin?

Hubert Maga was the first president of Benin, in office 1960–1963, 1970–1972.

Sources: Wikipedia, List of presidents of Benin and President of Dahomey; Reuters, AFP and AP reports on the 24 May 2026 swearing-in (checked Nov 2026). Shows the nine most clearly sourced heads of state; the short-lived 1960s military leaders are not listed.. Last reviewed November 2026.

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