Béninois Head of State Romuald Wadagni departed Niger in the early afternoon after a brief visit. Niger’s state television broadcast footage of President Wadagni’s departure. The specifics of the discussions between the Béninois leader and his Nigerien counterpart have not yet been publicly disclosed.

Upon his arrival in Niamey, President Wadagni received a red carpet welcome. He was greeted at the airport by General Abdourahamane Tiani, the head of Niger’s military transition.

According to the Béninois presidency, these diplomatic engagements in Niger and Burkina Faso are part of a broader friendship and working visit. President Wadagni is expected to address critical issues such as regional security, economic cooperation, and trade with both his Nigerien and Burkinabè counterparts.

The Béninois President’s tour of Niger and Burkina Faso is widely seen as a significant effort to de-escalate persistent regional tensions, particularly those with Niger, which have been strained since the July 2023 coup in Niamey. Niger has maintained a closed border with Bénin, alleging that Cotonou hosts a French military base, an accusation Bénin vehemently denies.

For Abdoulaye Sounaye, a researcher at the Leibniz Centre for Modern Oriental Studies in Berlin, this high-level visit marks a crucial advancement in strengthening Bénin-Niger relations. He highlighted that “we are already witnessing an improvement in relations because, under former President Patrice Talon, Niger did not engage with Bénin in the same manner.”

Interview with Abdoulaye Sounaye

It appears Romuald Wadagni is returning the courtesies to Niger, given their presence at his inauguration. The Nigerien Prime Minister, in particular, received a warm reception. Are we seeing a genuine détente between the two nations?

Abdoulaye Sounaye: Yes, absolutely. You are right to observe that. The attendance of the Prime Minister of Niger, along with representatives from other sub-regional countries, at President Wadagni’s inauguration was a symbolic presence that speaks volumes about the current détente.

I believe there is indeed a pressing need to revive cooperation between Niger and Bénin, specifically, extending beyond economic ties to encompass security and diplomatic aspects. In fact, it’s fair to say that realpolitik is compelling these two nations in the current climate. I think Niger has suffered considerably from the closure of this border.

Do you anticipate, for instance, that the border between Bénin and Niger will be reopened?

Abdoulaye Sounaye: I believe there are clear indicators suggesting this. I would not be surprised if the border reopens in the coming weeks, perhaps even days.

Niger has consistently accused Bénin of harboring a French base, which Bénin has denied. This alleged base hasn’t simply vanished. Is it premature to celebrate?

Abdoulaye Sounaye: Yes, I think caution is warranted. However, I remain hopeful for this resumption very soon. Otherwise, I don’t believe General Tiani would have welcomed the Béninois President in such a manner.

Following their meeting, the leaders of Bénin and Niger issued a joint communiqué, pledging to work collaboratively towards the reopening of the border between their two nations. An expert committee has been tasked with submitting its report to both leaders within 15 days. There is also a possibility that Niger’s transitional leader may undertake a reciprocal visit to Bénin at an unspecified future date.

President Romuald Wadagni departed Niamey in the early afternoon, continuing his regional diplomatic efforts with a visit to Burkina Faso. He was received at Ouagadougou airport by Captain Ibrahim Traoré, where a working session between the two heads of state is scheduled.