Romuald Wadagni, president of the Republic of Benin, carried out a landmark working visit to Bamako on Tuesday, 9 June 2026. Welcomed by Mali’s head of state, General of the Army Assimi Goïta, the Beninese leader laid the groundwork for a major overhaul of cooperation between Cotonou and Bamako, culminating in the adoption of strategic resolutions.
This is a strong signal for regional integration. In a rapidly shifting West African context, Benin and Mali have chosen the path of dialogue and mutual reinforcement. Received with full honours at the Koulouba Palace, Romuald Wadagni held extensive discussions with General Assimi Goïta. Both chancelleries described the meeting as “fraternal and highly fruitful.”
A reinforced economic and commercial bridge
At the heart of the talks: revitalising 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 formal structure 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 materialise these economic agreements and facilitate the free movement of goods and investments.
Security and sovereignty: a united front
Faced with the security challenges shaking the Sahelo-Saharan strip and West Africa, Cotonou and Bamako are aligning their efforts. One of the major resolutions concerns strengthening security coordination to more effectively combat terrorism and organised 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 stance resonates as a shared will to impose respect for each nation’s strategic choices on the international stage.
“The destinies of our peoples are bound by history. Today, we are writing a new chapter based on mutual respect and co-development,” the Beninese delegation indicated.
Towards an Assimi Goïta visit to Cotonou
Beyond politics and economics, culture and bringing peoples closer together were also placed on the priority agenda. To maintain this new dynamic, Romuald Wadagni formally invited General Assimi Goïta to pay a state visit to Benin. The invitation was accepted, and dates will be set through diplomatic channels.
This Bamako meeting undoubtedly marks a major diplomatic turning point, proving that despite regional geopolitical reconfigurations, the bridges of pragmatic cooperation remain firmly anchored.