Bénin’s new president seeks to mend ties with Sahel neighbors

Romuald Wadagni, newly sworn in as President of Bénin, embarked on a two-city diplomatic mission this June 2nd, marking his first official foreign trip since taking office. The simultaneous visits to Niamey and Ouagadougou signal a clear intent to rebuild bridges with Sahelian neighbors after months of strained relations under his predecessor.

Diplomatic thaw in a fractured regional landscape

Wadagni’s arrival in Niamey and Ouagadougou comes at a critical juncture for West Africa. The July 2023 coups in Niger and Burkina Faso severed political ties with coastal nations, particularly Bénin, whose former administration maintained alignment with the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). The new president, a former finance minister known for his pragmatic approach, is prioritizing direct engagement over formal declarations to ease tensions.

This early diplomatic offensive reflects a strategic shift. By visiting both capitals within weeks of his inauguration, Wadagni is signaling a commitment to address long-standing disputes, including the closure of the Niger-Bénin border and cross-border security concerns. The move also underscores a willingness to explore alternative diplomatic pathways outside traditional regional frameworks.

Economic lifelines hinge on revived trade corridors

The Cotonou-Niamey trade corridor remains a vital artery for landlocked Niger, and its disruption has had ripple effects across Bénin’s economy. Since ECOWAS sanctions and Niger’s withdrawal from the bloc, commercial traffic through Cotonou’s port has dwindled, diverting trade to Lomé and Tema. For Bénin, restoring this flow is not just an economic imperative but a diplomatic necessity.

Key discussions will likely focus on reopening fully operational border crossings and eliminating additional levies imposed by all parties. Security cooperation will also take center stage, particularly in combating armed groups operating in the W National Park and along shared borders. These measures could unlock substantial customs and port revenues, which form a critical part of Bénin’s public finances.

Balancing act: ECOWAS membership vs. Sahel alliances

Wadagni faces a complex diplomatic equation. While Bénin remains a member of ECOWAS, the president must navigate engagement with the Alliance of Sahel States (AES)—formed by Niger, Burkina Faso, and Mali in 2023 to reject ECOWAS’ authority. The challenge lies in advancing reconciliation without appearing to endorse military transitions or abandon Bénin’s regional commitments.

The symbolic weight of this trip cannot be overstated. By choosing Niamey and Ouagadougou as his first stops outside West Africa’s coastal zone, Wadagni is sending a powerful message to long-standing partners who share both borders and pressing security challenges. Northern Bénin has faced repeated jihadist attacks linked to Al-Qaeda and the Islamic State, making renewed military cooperation with Sahelian forces a top priority.

The success of this initiative hinges on the response from Niger’s transitional leader, General Abdourahamane Tiani, and Burkina Faso’s Captain Ibrahim Traoré. Both have thus far favored partnerships with Moscow and distanced themselves from traditional West African alliances. Wadagni’s gamble is to prove that Bénin can carve out a distinct diplomatic path—one that yields tangible benefits for border communities and economic operators alike.