🇧🇯 Benin
RepublicElectoral autocracy
Romuald Wadagni
President · 146 days in office
How the political system works in Benin
Benin is governed as a republic. Its president, Romuald Wadagni, has led the country since May 24, 2026. Benin has had 5 presidents since 1980. Under the Regimes of the World classification, it counts as an electoral autocracy.
Tenure records
Longest-serving
Mathieu Kérékou
7,670 days · 2 terms
Shortest-serving
Nicéphore Soglo
1,827 days
Average tenure
3,370 days
Romuald Wadagni: 96% below average
Female leaders
0 of 5
All male to date
Recent presidents by days in office
All presidents of Benin
| # | Name | Took office | Left office | Days |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 |  Romuald Wadagni | May 24, 2026 | Incumbent | 146 |
| 5 |  Patrice Talon | Apr 6, 2016 | May 24, 2026 | 3,700 |
| 4 |  Thomas Boni Yayi | Apr 6, 2006 | Apr 6, 2016 | 3,653 |
| 3 |  Mathieu Kérékou | Apr 4, 1996 | Apr 5, 2006 | 3,653 |
| 2 |  Nicéphore Soglo | Apr 4, 1991 | Apr 4, 1996 | 1,827 |
| 1 | Mathieu Kérékou | Apr 4, 1980 | Apr 4, 1991 | 4,017 |
Officeholder history via Wikidata. Multiple rows for one person indicate separate terms.
Frequently asked questions
- Who is the President of Benin?
- Romuald Wadagni has been President of Benin since May 24, 2026.
- How is the leader of Benin chosen?
- Benin is governed as a republic. Its president, Romuald Wadagni, has led the country since May 24, 2026. Benin has had 5 presidents since 1980. Under the Regimes of the World classification, it counts as an electoral autocracy.
- Who is the longest-serving President of Benin?
- Mathieu Kérékou, with 7,670 days in office across 2 terms.
- Has Benin ever had a female president?
- No. All 5 presidents of Benin to date have been men.