Freshly sworn in as President of the Republic of Bénin, Romuald Wadagni embarked on a simultaneous diplomatic mission to Niamey and Ouagadougou on June 2. This inaugural foreign visit marks the start of a broader West African tour aimed at reshaping regional partnerships. Invested on May 24 in Cotonou, Wadagni succeeds Patrice Talon with a clear agenda: mending strained ties with neighboring Sahel nations led by General Abdourahamane Tiani and Captain Ibrahim Traoré.
Diplomatic overtures to heal Sahel divides
The timing of Wadagni’s trip reflects persistent tensions between Bénin, Niger, and Burkina Faso. Since military takeovers in Niamey in July 2023 and Ouagadougou, bilateral relations have deteriorated sharply. The previous administration in Cotonou was often seen as aligning closely with the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), a stance viewed with hostility by regional juntas.
Wadagni, a former Finance Minister known for his pragmatic approach, is opting for direct engagement over formal statements. His swift dual-visit within two weeks of assuming office underscores a deliberate effort to address longstanding disputes, including the closure of the Niger-Bénin border and mutual security concerns along shared frontiers.
Reviving Bénin’s gateway role in Sahel trade
Economic imperatives take center stage in negotiations, particularly the Cotonou-Niamey trade corridor—the backbone of landlocked Niger’s logistics. Border closures following ECOWAS sanctions and Niger’s subsequent withdrawal from the bloc have hit Bénin’s economy hard. Cargo volumes at the Port of Cotonou, once the primary route for Sahel trade, have plummeted as shippers rerouted shipments to Lomé or Tema.
For Bénin, restoring seamless trade flows is both an economic and diplomatic priority. Customs and port revenues form a critical pillar of public finances. A return to normalcy will require reopening all border crossings and dismantling extra tariffs imposed by both sides. Security cooperation, especially combating armed groups operating in the W Transboundary Park and along shared borders, will also shape discussions.
Balancing ECOWAS ties with Sahel alliances
The diplomatic tightrope is evident. While Bénin remains an ECOWAS member, it seeks meaningful dialogue with the Alliance of Sahel States (AES)—formed in September 2023 by Niger, Burkina Faso, and Mali to distance themselves from the Abuja-based bloc. Wadagni must navigate this delicate balance without appearing to endorse military transitions or abandon Bénin’s regional commitments.
The symbolic weight of choosing Niamey and Ouagadougou as his first non-coastal destinations is not lost on observers. These capitals share not just borders with Bénin but also pressing security challenges in its northern regions. Repeated jihadist attacks in northern Bénin, linked to Al-Qaeda and ISIS-affiliated factions, make renewed military cooperation with Sahel neighbors indispensable.
Whether General Tiani and Captain Traoré embrace this olive branch remains to be seen. Since coming to power, both leaders have prioritized partnerships with Moscow and distanced themselves from traditional West African frameworks. Wadagni’s challenge is to prove that Bénin’s pragmatic approach—distinct from ECOWAS mandates—can yield tangible benefits for border communities and economic operators alike.
