Benin and Mali seal new solidarity pact in Bamako

Benin’s President Romuald Wadagni made a historic working visit to Bamako on Tuesday, June 9, 2026. Welcomed by Mali’s head of state, General Assimi Goita, the Beninese leader laid the groundwork for a major overhaul of cooperation between Cotonou and Bamako, culminating in the adoption of strategic resolutions.

This sends a strong signal for regional integration. In a rapidly changing West African context, Benin and Mali have chosen the path of dialogue and mutual reinforcement. Received with full honors at the Koulouba Palace, Romuald Wadagni held lengthy discussions with General Assimi Goita. Both chancelleries described the meeting as “fraternal and highly fruitful.”

Strengthened economic and commercial bridge

At the heart of the talks was the revitalization of economic exchanges. Aware of the strategic role that the port of Cotonou can play in supplying Mali, the two heads of state agreed to intensify bilateral trade. To give a formal framework to these ambitions, the immediate relaunch of the Great Joint Commission Benin-Mali was announced. Its second session is expected to be held very soon to materialize these economic agreements and facilitate the free movement of goods and investments.

Security and sovereignty: a common front

Faced with security challenges shaking the Sahel-Saharan belt and West Africa, Cotonou and Bamako are aligning their positions. One of the major resolutions concerns the strengthening of security coordination to more effectively combat terrorism and organized crime.

On the diplomatic front, the two leaders firmly reaffirmed their unwavering commitment to the principles of sovereignty, territorial integrity, and non-interference in internal affairs. This position resonates as a common will to impose respect for each nation’s strategic choices on the international stage.

“The destinies of our peoples are linked by history. Today, we are writing a new page based on mutual respect and co-development,” the Beninese delegation indicated.

Towards a visit of Assimi Goita to Cotonou

Beyond politics and economics, culture and people-to-people rapprochement were also inscribed on the priority agenda. To maintain this new dynamism, Romuald Wadagni officially invited General Assimi Goita to pay a state visit to Benin. The invitation was accepted, and dates will be set through diplomatic channels.

This Bamako meeting unquestionably marks a major diplomatic turning point, proving that despite regional geopolitical recompositions, the bridges of pragmatic cooperation remain firmly anchored.