Romuald Wadagni officially assumed office on Sunday, pledging stability, regional cooperation and stronger security ties, as relations between Benin and Niger showed early signs of improvement after months of diplomatic tension.
The presence of Nigerien Prime Minister Ali Mahamane Lamine Zeine at the inauguration ceremony in Cotonou drew particular attention across West Africa, with analysts viewing the visit as a symbolic attempt to reopen dialogue between the neighbouring countries.
Relations between Benin and Niger deteriorated sharply following the July 2023 military coup in Niamey, leading to border tensions, political disagreements and strained regional cooperation.
Speaking after the inauguration, Zeine described the moment as the beginning of a possible new chapter between both nations.
“I believe this is a new path opening up,” he said. “The most important thing is to strengthen our ties and ensure that we can work together.”
Wadagni, a former finance minister widely regarded as a pragmatic technocrat, also emphasized the need for stronger regional partnerships during his inaugural address.
“With our neighbouring countries, we will place particular emphasis on deepening regional cooperation,” he stated. “Benin will continue to act in favour of stability, dialogue and respect.”
The new president takes office at a challenging time for the region, with growing jihadist violence, economic pressures and shifting political alliances reshaping West African diplomacy.
Security concerns remain particularly urgent for Benin, whose northern regions have faced increasing attacks linked to the Al-Qaeda-affiliated JNIM militant group.
Despite ongoing tensions between ECOWAS and junta-led Sahel governments, Sunday’s inauguration suggested that diplomatic communication channels between Benin and Niger may slowly be reopening.
