Benin’s president Romuald Wadagni visits Mali to revive ties with the Alliance of Sahel States

The thaw in relations between Cotonou and the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) is becoming clearer. On Tuesday, June 9, Benin’s president Romuald Wadagni was in Bamako where he held talks with Malian leader Assimi Goïta as part of a regional tour that began shortly after his inauguration.

Having already visited Niger and Burkina Faso, this stop in Mali underscores the new Beninese president’s determination to reopen dialogue with the Sahel’s military governments.

A ‘new breath’ for Mali-Benin ties

After their meeting, the two heads of state released a joint statement expressing their commitment to “give a new breath” to relations between Mali and Benin. Discussions covered strengthening economic, commercial, and cultural cooperation between the two nations.

Wadagni also extended an invitation to Goïta for an official visit to Benin, another sign of the easing tensions between the two capitals.

Shifting dynamics in the region

Relations between Benin and the AES countries had been strained in recent years, especially with neighboring Niger following the 2023 coup. Since taking office on May 24, Wadagni has multiplied diplomatic initiatives to restore dialogue with authorities in Bamako, Ouagadougou, and Niamey.

Strategic implications for West Africa

This tour comes amid deep divisions between the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the AES countries. Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger have left the regional bloc to form their own confederation, arguing that ECOWAS no longer adequately addresses their sovereignty and security concerns.

Wadagni’s trip thus appears as one of the first major diplomatic moves of his mandate, potentially helping to ease tensions within West Africa.