Bénin’s new president launches regional diplomacy in Niamey and Ouagadougou

Freshly sworn in as President of Benin, Romuald Wadagni embarks on a dual diplomatic mission to Niamey and Ouagadougou on June 2, marking the first step in a broader West African tour aimed at reshaping regional dynamics. Inaugurated in Cotonou on May 24, the successor to Patrice Talon seeks to mend strained ties with neighboring Sahelian nations, led by General Abdourahamane Tiani and Captain Ibrahim Traoré.

Diplomatic overtures to ease Sahelian tensions

The timing of the Beninese head of state’s visit comes at a critical juncture, as relations between Cotonou, Niamey, and Ouagadougou have been frayed since mid-2023. Following the ousting of Mohamed Bazoum in Niamey and the subsequent military transition in Ouagadougou, bilateral relations deteriorated sharply. The previous administration in Benin had maintained a stance perceived as aligned with ECOWAS, an organization viewed with hostility by the Sahelian juntas.

The arrival of Romuald Wadagni, former Minister of Economy and Finance, signals a shift in approach. Known for his pragmatic stance, the new president opts for direct engagement over formal declarations, signaling an intent to resolve long-standing disputes. This dual visit, occurring just two weeks into his term, underscores a clear determination to address grievances stemming from the closure of the Niger-Benin border and recurring cross-border security concerns.

Reviving the Cotonou-Niamey trade corridor

At the heart of discussions will be the economic stakes tied to the Cotonou-Niamey corridor, a vital logistics artery for landlocked Niger. Trade disruptions, triggered first by ECOWAS sanctions and later by Niger’s withdrawal from the regional bloc alongside Mali and Burkina Faso, have dealt a severe blow to Beninese economic operators. The Port of Cotonou has seen a decline in traffic to the Sahel, with neighboring Lomé and Tema ports benefiting from diverted trade flows.

For Benin, restoring smooth trade flows is both an economic and diplomatic imperative. Customs and port revenues form a significant portion of public finances. Achieving normalization will require the full reopening of border crossings and the removal of additional tariffs imposed on both sides. Security concerns, particularly the threat posed by armed groups in the W Park and along shared borders, are also expected to be central to the talks.

Balancing ties with AES while maintaining ECOWAS commitments

The diplomatic tightrope Benin must walk is not lost on observers. While Cotonou remains a member of ECOWAS, it seeks to re-establish meaningful dialogue with the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), formed in September 2023 by Niamey, Ouagadougou, and Bamako to formalize their break from the Abuja-based organization. Romuald Wadagni must navigate this delicate balance, avoiding any perception of endorsing military transitions or abandoning Benin’s regional commitments.

The symbolic weight of this trip is not lost on political analysts. By selecting Niamey and Ouagadougou as his first destinations outside the coastal zone, the new president sends a strong message to historic partners with whom Benin shares not only borders but pressing security challenges in its northern regions. Repeated jihadist attacks in northern Benin, attributed to groups linked to Al-Qaeda and the Islamic State, underscore the urgency of renewed cooperation with Sahelian military forces.

The success of this diplomatic initiative hinges on the response from General Tiani and Captain Traoré. The transitional authorities in Niamey and Ouagadougou have so far favored partnerships with Moscow and a diplomatic realignment away from traditional West African frameworks. Romuald Wadagni’s gamble lies in proving that a distinct Beninese approach, independent of ECOWAS directives, can yield tangible benefits for border communities and economic operators alike.