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Roundup: Benin's new president promises to respect Constitution, fight terrorism

Xinhua, April 7, 2016 Adjust font size:

Benin's President-Elect Patrice Talon who won the country's presidential run-off poll on March 20 with 65.37 percent of the votes cast, was officially sworn in on Wednesday in the capital, Porto Novo.

He vowed to respect Benin's Constitution during his five years between 2016-2021, and promised to fully carry out his duties, guided by national interests and not individual interests.

The new president also promised to respect every individual and focus all his energies to the search and promotion of peace and national unity.

He further promised to "protect national territorial integrity during his term and to serve the people faithfully."

According to Benin's Constitution, the president of the republic is the holder of executive powers.

He is the head of government, the commander in chief of the armed forces and is in charge of national defense.

FIGHT AGAINST TERRORISM

Benin's new president also committed himself to overcoming the challenges of terrorism and cross-border crime.

"I will courageously fight against terrorism and cross-border crime, while counting on sub-regional cooperation and international support," Talon said.

He appealed for cohesion between the defense and security forces for maximum protection of the populations.

"In the fight against terrorism and cross-border crime, our army as well as the intelligence services should work closely with the police to provide protection to the Beninese population," he said.

IMPROVEMENT OF PEOPLE'S WELLBEING

President Talon equally promised to expand Benin's economy in order to promote the people's wellbeing.

In this regard, Talon appealed for support from the international community, especially Benin's traditional financial and technical partners, as he launches the national reconstruction program, entrench democracy and fight against corruption.

He regretted that on the economic and social plan as well as individual liberty, the situation in Benin is not pleasing.

"We need to immediately institute reforms, restructure our national economy, rebuild social fabric by giving confidence to Benin's citizens and restore the country's credibility," Talon declared. Endit