After taking the oath of office on 24 May, Benin’s President Romuald Wadagni embarked on a regional tour that took him to Nigeria, Niger, Mali, Burkina Faso, Togo, Côte d’Ivoire and Senegal. This marks a fresh diplomatic approach for Benin, following a period of tensions between former President Patrice Talon and the countries of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), especially Niger.
Benin’s new diplomatic strategy toward the AES countries represents a significant step for West Africa. It ends the phase of direct confrontation observed after the coups that occurred in AES member states between 2020 and 2023. The approach now prioritises pragmatism focused on security and economic cooperation.
Will this new posture by the Beninese president succeed?
Éric Topona discusses the issue with his guests under the Tree of Talks:
- Paul Amoussou, publication director of the national daily La Nation in Benin.
- David Dosseh, first spokesperson of the civic front Togo Debout.
- Ousmane Ndiaye, independent journalist.
