The thaw between Cotonou and the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) continues to deepen. On Tuesday, June 9, Benin’s President Romuald Wadagni traveled to Bamako for talks with Malian leader Assimi Goïta, part of a regional tour launched weeks after taking office.
Following previous stops in Niger and Burkina Faso, the Malian leg confirms the new Beninese president’s determination to reopen dialogue with the Sahel’s military-led regimes.
A “new momentum” between Bamako and Cotonou
After their meeting, the two heads of state issued a joint statement expressing their shared ambition to “give a fresh impetus” to relations between Mali and Benin.
Discussions centered on strengthening economic, trade and cultural cooperation between the two nations.
Wadagni also extended an invitation for Assimi Goïta to pay an official visit to Benin, further underscoring the easing of tensions between the two capitals.
A shift in tone across the region
Ties between Benin and the AES countries had been severely strained in recent years, especially with neighboring Niger after the 2023 coup.
Since assuming office on May 24, Romuald Wadagni has multiplied diplomatic initiatives to restore dialogue with authorities in Bamako, Ouagadougou and Niamey.
A strategic stake for West Africa
This tour comes at a time of deep divisions between the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the AES member states.
Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger withdrew from the regional bloc to form their own confederation, arguing that ECOWAS no longer adequately met their sovereignty and security expectations.
Wadagni’s trip stands out as one of the first major diplomatic gestures of his mandate and could help ease tensions across the West African landscape.
