Former Benin president Patrice Talon has been elected the country's first Senate president, months after leaving office. Patrice Talon was elected on Thursday as the first president of Benin's Senate, securing 24 of the 25 votes cast, with one blank ballot. Return to public officeTalon, 68, served as Benin's president from 2016 to 2026 before handing power to his former economy minister and political ally, President Romuald Wadagni, following the April election. New chamberThe 25-member Senate is made up of former heads of state and other members appointed by President Wadagni. In his inaugural address, Talon pledged to ensure the Senate operates effectively and said he would work to promote national unity, political stability, peace and democracy through the country's newly created upper house.