The freshly inaugurated President of Bénin, Romuald Wadagni, launched his first diplomatic mission on June 2nd with simultaneous visits to Niamey and Ouagadougou. This move marks the beginning of a broader West African tour aimed at reshaping regional dynamics and mending strained relations between coastal and Sahelian nations.

Following his swearing-in ceremony in Cotonou on May 24th, Wadagni succeeds Patrice Talon in steering Bénin’s foreign policy toward renewed engagement with neighboring Sahelian states. His presidency begins with a clear intent to bridge gaps with the military-led governments of Niger and Burkina Faso, led by General Abdourahamane Tiani and Captain Ibrahim Traoré respectively—governments that have faced strained ties with Cotonou since their respective coups d’état.

Diplomatic outreach to mend Sahelian divisions

This visit comes at a time of heightened tensions between Bénin, Niger, and Burkina Faso. Since the July 2023 overthrow of Niger’s President Mohamed Bazoum and the subsequent military transitions in Ouagadougou, bilateral relations have deteriorated significantly. The previous administration in Cotonou had maintained a stance perceived as aligned with the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), a position that the Sahelian juntas viewed with hostility.

Wadagni, a former Finance Minister known for his pragmatic approach, has chosen a direct, on-the-ground diplomatic strategy over formal statements. His dual visit, occurring just two weeks into his presidency, signals a deliberate effort to address long-standing disputes, including the closure of the Niger-Bénin border and ongoing accusations of cross-border security breaches. This hands-on approach underscores a clear shift in strategy.

Cotonou’s port and the economic stakes of Sahelian trade

Central to discussions are the economic implications tied to the Cotonou-Niamey trade corridor, a critical logistics artery for landlocked Niger. The disruption of trade flows—first due to ECOWAS sanctions and later following Niger’s withdrawal from the bloc alongside Burkina Faso and Mali—has dealt a heavy blow to Bénin’s economy. The Port of Cotonou has seen its Sahel-bound cargo traffic decline sharply, redirecting trade flows toward Lomé and Tema.

For Bénin, restoring smooth trade operations is both an economic and diplomatic necessity. Customs and port revenues form a significant portion of public finances. Achieving normalization will require reopening all border crossings and eliminating additional tariffs imposed by both sides. Security concerns, particularly the presence of armed groups in the W National Park and along shared borders, will also be a key focus of these talks.

Balancing relations with the AES and ECOWAS

The diplomatic tightrope Wadagni walks is not without challenge. While Bénin remains a member of ECOWAS, the new president is actively seeking to re-engage with the Alliance of Sahel States (AES)—a coalition formed in September 2023 by Niger, Burkina Faso, and Mali to distance themselves from the Abuja-based regional bloc. His challenge lies in advancing reconciliation without appearing to endorse military transitions or abandon Bénin’s commitments within ECOWAS.

The symbolic weight of this visit is not lost on observers. By prioritizing Niamey and Ouagadougou as his first destinations outside the coastal region, Wadagni sends a strong message to historic partners with whom Bénin shares not just borders, but pressing security challenges in its northern regions. Repeated jihadist attacks in northern Bénin, linked to Al-Qaeda and Islamic State affiliates, have made renewed military cooperation with Sahelian forces essential.

The true test will be how the interim leaders in Niger and Burkina Faso respond to this gesture. The military authorities in both countries have increasingly pivoted toward partnerships with Moscow and distanced themselves from traditional West African frameworks. Wadagni’s gamble is to prove that a distinct Bénin-led approach—one that diverges from ECOWAS directives—can yield tangible benefits for border communities and economic operators alike.