While Benin’s protocol does not allow heads of state to attend the president’s inauguration, many states have sent high-level representatives, including countries from the AES, even as relations had been strained for several years. A sign that the Wadagni presidency will likely usher in a new era for regional cooperation.
A hopeful and applauded rapprochement
True to its tradition of simplicity, the Benin protocol does not include the presence of foreign heads of state during the swearing-in ceremony. However, the event took on major significance with the presence of over 16 foreign delegations. But the real strong signal of the day was seen in the fervor of the audience.
As the Prime Minister of Niger, Ali Mahamane Lamine Zeine, and the Foreign Ministers of Burkina Faso and Mali were officially called, the crowd erupted in hearty and warm applause. This enthusiastic response reflects the deep joy of the Beninese people to see this presidency begin under the sign of regional rapprochement. For the public opinion, the break from past tensions is confirmed: Cotonou and the Sahel are relearning to communicate.
Wadagni’s “new path” in the face of common challenges
This popular fervor is a response to intense diplomatic work carried out behind the scenes by the new head of state. It is worth recalling that in the tense atmosphere, the countries of the AES had already been invited by the Beninese authorities to the celebrations of the 65th anniversary of Benin’s independence in July 2025, but had declined the invitation, illustrating the coldness of relations between Cotonou and the Sahelian regimes at that time.
The Prime Minister of Niger also specified that his visit to Cotonou had been explicitly approved by all the leaders of the AES countries, who were seduced by the gestures of friendship and brotherhood expressed by Romuald Wadagni in the period leading up to his inauguration. Throughout the electoral campaign, he constantly emphasized the absolute necessity for “brotherly countries” to fight terrorism together, constantly reminding that unity remained the only way to defeat this scourge.
“I see that a new path is opening,” hailed the emissary from Niamey.
Aware of this shared destiny, President Wadagni laid the groundwork for a realistic and supportive partnership during his official speech:
“With our neighboring countries, we will place particular emphasis on deepening regional cooperation. Benin will continue to act for stability, dialogue, and respect. (…) My conviction is that, in a sub-region facing terrorist peril, we are condemned to work together. I therefore want to reiterate Benin’s readiness to act in concert with them to overcome this scourge.”
By placing security co-responsibility and economic pragmatism at the center of his priorities, the Wadagni presidency opens a promising chapter for the stability of West Africa.
