Benin’s romuald wadagni visits Mali to revive ties with Sahel alliance partners

The diplomatic thaw between Cotonou and the member states of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) is gaining momentum. On Tuesday, 9 June, Bénin’s president Romuald Wadagni travelled to Bamako for a meeting with Malian head of state Assimi Goïta, as part of a regional tour that began shortly after his inauguration.

Following earlier stops in Niger and Burkina Faso, the Malian leg underscores the new Bénin president’s commitment to reopening dialogue with the Sahel’s military-led regimes.

A ‘fresh start’ between Bamako and Cotonou

After their discussions, the two leaders issued a joint declaration expressing their shared desire to “give a fresh start” to relations between Mali and Bénin.

The talks focused on strengthening economic, commercial and cultural cooperation between the two nations.

Wadagni also extended an invitation for Goïta to pay an official visit to Bénin – a further sign of the easing tensions between the two capitals.

A shifting tone in the region

Relations between Bénin and the AES countries had grown markedly strained in recent years, particularly with neighbouring Niger following the 2023 coup.

Since taking office on 24 May, Wadagni has multiplied diplomatic initiatives aimed at restoring dialogue with the authorities in Bamako, Ouagadougou and Niamey.

A strategic issue for West Africa

This tour takes place against a backdrop of deep divisions between the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the AES member states.

Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger withdrew from the regional bloc to form their own confederation, arguing that ECOWAS no longer adequately addressed their sovereignty and security concerns.

Wadagni’s trip thus stands as one of the first major diplomatic moves of his mandate and may help to de-escalate tensions across the West African space.