The newly elected President of Benin, Romuald Wadagni, wasted no time in embarking on his first diplomatic mission abroad. On June 2, just days after his inauguration in Cotonou, he traveled to Niamey and Ouagadougou for simultaneous meetings aimed at reshaping regional dynamics in West Africa. This visit marks the start of a broader tour intended to restore frayed relationships between Benin and its Sahelian neighbors.
Invested on May 24, Wadagni succeeds Patrice Talon at a critical juncture. Since the military takeovers in Niger and Burkina Faso—which ousted President Mohamed Bazoum in Niamey last July—tensions between Cotonou and these capitals had escalated. The previous administration’s alignment with the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) was seen as adversarial by the region’s new military leadership, further straining bilateral relations.
Diplomatic overtures to heal Sahelian divides
Wadagni’s choice to prioritize Niamey and Ouagadougou reflects a deliberate shift in Benin’s foreign policy. As a former Finance Minister known for his pragmatic approach, he opted for direct engagement over formal communiqués, signaling a willingness to address longstanding disputes. Key among these are the closure of the Niger-Benin border and recurring allegations of transborder security threats.
His swift action underscores the urgency of restoring economic and security cooperation. The two-day visit demonstrates Benin’s commitment to mending fences, even as the broader regional context remains complex. The military governments in Niger and Burkina Faso have forged alliances with Moscow and distanced themselves from ECOWAS, complicating traditional diplomatic avenues.
Reviving the Cotonou-Niamey trade corridor
The economic stakes of this diplomatic push are substantial. The Cotonou-Niamey corridor, a lifeline for landlocked Niger, has faced severe disruptions. Sanctions imposed by ECOWAS—followed by Niger’s, Mali’s, and Burkina Faso’s withdrawal from the bloc—have crippled cross-border trade. The Port of Cotonou, once a primary hub for Sahelian goods, now competes with Lomé and Tema for traffic, leading to significant revenue losses for Benin.
For Wadagni, reopening trade routes is both an economic and political imperative. Customs and port revenues form a critical component of Benin’s public finances. Achieving this will require reopening border crossings and removing additional tariffs imposed by both sides. Security concerns, particularly the threat of armed groups operating near the shared border and in the W National Park, will also be central to the discussions.
Balancing ECOWAS ties with Sahelian alliances
Wadagni faces a delicate balancing act. While Benin remains a member of ECOWAS, the president must also engage with the Alliance of Sahel States (AES)—a coalition formed by Niger, Burkina Faso, and Mali in September 2023 to challenge ECOWAS’ authority. The challenge is to pursue reconciliation without appearing to endorse military-led transitions or abandon Benin’s regional commitments.
Symbolically, his visit carries weight. By selecting Niamey and Ouagadougou as his first overseas destinations, Wadagni sends a clear message to partners with whom Benin shares not just borders but pressing security challenges. Northern Benin has been repeatedly targeted by jihadist attacks linked to Al-Qaeda and the Islamic State, making renewed cooperation with Sahelian militaries essential.
The success of this initiative hinges on the response from General Abdourahamane Tiani in Niger and Captain Ibrahim Traoré in Burkina Faso. Their governments have thus far favored partnerships outside traditional West African frameworks. Wadagni’s gamble is to prove that Benin can carve out a distinct path—one that delivers tangible benefits for border communities and economic operators without conforming to ECOWAS’ demands.
