Benin – France – Niger: Cotonou facing a delicate diplomatic arbitration

On June 21, a high-level Nigerien delegation presented two conditions to the Beninese authorities for the reopening of the border between Niger and Benin, which has been closed since July 2023. In Niamey, these demands are viewed as essential for resuming normal cooperation between the two countries. The first relates to a request for clarification regarding the presence of foreign military forces near the border, a direct allusion to Niger’s recurring concerns about a possible French presence in Benin.

For the Nigerien authorities, this clarification is an important prerequisite for resuming economic and security exchanges. Beyond the strictly operational dimension, the subject also raises a broader debate about the role of Western military partners in the region, especially in the context of security restructuring in West Africa.

This situation arises in a renewed internal political context in Benin. Since taking office, Romuald Wadagni has increased his travels in the sub-region, showing a desire to restart dialogue with several neighbors, including those with whom relations had significantly soured in recent years.

Under Patrice Talon, Cotonou maintained close relations with Paris, particularly in economic, cultural, and security matters. With Romuald Wadagni, Benin’s diplomacy seems to be seeking a new balance, without an official break with France, but with a more pronounced attention to regional African dynamics.

One of the first signals of this shift was the tour undertaken by the head of state in several countries of the Sahel States Alliance. During these discussions, the talks covered not only security issues but also regional economic cooperation projects. Togo, Nigeria, and Côte d’Ivoire, important partners for Cotonou, were also on his diplomatic agenda.

More recently, Romuald Wadagni traveled to Mauritania to strengthen a bilateral cooperation focused on the Sahel-Saharan space. This initiative reflects Benin’s intention to solidify its African partnerships and to reposition itself in a rapidly changing regional environment.

The Beninese president has not turned his back on Europe. On June 24, he traveled to Brussels to meet with the President of the European Council, António Costa, as well as the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen. The discussions focused on the priorities of the partnership between Benin and the European Union, including infrastructure, energy transition, and governance.

However, this trip to Brussels has not yet been followed by an official visit to Paris. The absence of an announced meeting between Emmanuel Macron and Romuald Wadagni has sparked interpretations in certain diplomatic circles, although no formal break has occurred between the two capitals.

During the previous term, exchanges between the French and Beninese presidents were regular. The current silence between Paris and Cotonou can thus be interpreted as a phase of observation, in a context where Benin seems to want to redefine its regional priorities before clarifying certain matters with its traditional partners.

The question of French military presence in West Africa remains particularly sensitive. For several years, multiple countries in the region have contested the effectiveness of the French military deployment against the advance of armed groups in the Sahel. Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger have already initiated a break with Paris on this issue, while other states are cautiously observing the evolving situation.

In this context, any real or supposed French military presence on Beninese soil becomes a concern for Niamey. For the Nigerien authorities, this issue directly relates to the security of their southern border. For Cotonou, it poses a complex diplomatic challenge: to preserve its international partnerships while restoring trust with a strategic neighbor.

The economic stakes are also high. The border between Benin and Niger is crucial for the transit of goods, particularly via the port of Cotonou. Its closure has impacted trade exchanges and increased pressure on economic operators in both countries. For Benin, normalizing relations with Niamey thus represents a major interest.

Romuald Wadagni’s approach appears to be more pragmatic than ideological. The head of state seeks to restore bridges with Sahelian neighbors while avoiding a sudden break with Western partners. The clarification requested by Niger regarding the military aspect could become one of the central points of this negotiation phase.

On August 1, Benin will celebrate the 66th anniversary of its independence. This date could provide the Beninese president with an opportunity to clarify his diplomatic vision, particularly regarding the country’s role in the region and its relationships with external partners.

In certain diplomatic circles, the possibility of an announcement regarding the border with Niger is being discussed, though not officially confirmed. Such a development would be closely monitored, especially if it were to be accompanied by a clarification on Benin’s security agreements with its foreign partners.

At this stage, no official decision has been announced regarding a potential withdrawal of French forces from Beninese territory or a revision of defense agreements with Paris. However, the current period confirms that Benin is at a significant moment in its diplomatic repositioning.

Long perceived as a stable partner of France in West Africa, Benin is now seeking to strengthen its regional anchorage in a space marked by strong political and security tensions. Under Romuald Wadagni, Cotonou seems inclined to prioritize a balanced diplomacy, attentive both to the demands of its African neighbors and to the preservation of its strategic partnerships.

The reopening of the border with Niger could be a first step in this new phase. Behind this issue lies the broader question of diplomatic autonomy, regional security, and West African integration that now confronts Benin.