Bénin’s president romuald wadagni makes historic trip to Niger amid regional tensions
On Tuesday, June 2, Romuald Wadagni, Bénin‘s freshly elected leader, touched down in Niamey for a brief but significant visit—a first since Niger‘s military takeover in July 2023. The trip signals a potential easing of strained relations between the two neighboring West African nations, as Niamey has kept its border with Bénin closed, accusing its neighbor of excessive alignment with Paris and alleged destabilization efforts.
Upon arrival, Wadagni was greeted by General Abdourahamane Tiani, the head of Niger‘s military regime. After a prior stop in Nigeria, Wadagni prioritized Niger in his regional diplomacy, aiming to revive bilateral security cooperation. Both countries face persistent jihadist threats that have destabilized the Sahel region.
By early afternoon, Wadagni departed Niamey, with plans to continue his diplomatic mission in Burkina Faso.
Wadagni’s visit underscores his commitment to an active neighborhood diplomacy, as outlined in a statement from Bénin‘s presidency. Hints of a thaw emerged during Wadagni‘s inauguration in Cotonou, where Niger‘s Prime Minister Ali Mahamane Lamine Zeine was notably present.
Earlier this year, Wadagni‘s predecessor and political mentor, Patrice Talon, was publicly accused by General Tiani of supporting jihadist attacks on Niamey‘s airport—a claim Bénin has consistently denied. Meanwhile, Bénin grapples with its own surge in deadly jihadist violence along its northern border with Niger. Conversely, Niger has faced allegations—never officially confirmed—of involvement in an aborted coup attempt in Bénin in December 2023.
