Benin’s president seeks to ease Sahel tensions

Benin’s newly elected president, Romuald Wadagni, visited Niger and Burkina Faso on Tuesday, signalling a possible easing of tensions between the Sahel nations and Cotonou.

Niger closed its border with Benin last year after accusing Benin of hosting French military bases aimed at destabilising Niger. Benin has consistently denied the allegation.

Following their meeting in Niamey, Niger’s transitional president, Abdourahamane Tchiani, and Wadagni issued a joint statement committing to removing obstacles to cooperation, particularly the reopening of the border.

Wadagni later travelled to Burkina Faso, where he met with the country’s junta leader. The Beninese presidency described the visits as part of active neighbourhood diplomacy with all of Benin’s border states.

Niger, Burkina Faso and Mali have formed the Alliance of Sahel States and quit the West African bloc ECOWAS, accusing the organisation of insufficient support in their fight against terrorism.

In a sign of improving relations, Niger’s prime minister attended Wadagni’s inauguration in Cotonou on May 24, speaking of a “new path.”

Benin’s north has experienced deadly terrorist attacks in recent years. The port of Cotonou is a key route for Niger’s supplies and raw material exports. According to Nigerien officials, 80% of Niger’s freight passed through Benin before the border closure. A pipeline exporting Nigerien oil via Benin remains operational, but the only road bridge linking the two countries is still closed.

Wadagni, former finance minister, won the May 24 election with 94% of the vote.

SOURCE: AFP