Romuald Wadagni, the president of Bénin, carried out a historic working visit to Bamako on Tuesday, 9 June 2026. Received by Mali’s head of state, Army General Assimi Goïta, the Béninois leader laid the groundwork for a major overhaul of cooperation between Cotonou and Bamako, culminating in the adoption of strategic resolutions.
This sends a strong signal for regional integration. In a rapidly evolving West African context, Bénin and Mali have chosen the path of dialogue and mutual reinforcement. Welcomed with full honours at the Koulouba Palace, Romuald Wadagni held lengthy discussions with General Assimi Goïta. Both chancelleries described the meeting as “fraternal and highly fruitful.”
An reinforced economic and commercial bridge
At the heart of the talks was the revitalisation of economic exchanges. Aware of the strategic role the port of Cotonou can play in supplying Mali, the two heads of state agreed to step up bilateral trade. To give formal structure to these ambitions, the immediate revival of the Great Bénin-Mali Joint Commission was announced. Its second session is expected to take place very soon to materialise these economic agreements and facilitate the free movement of goods and investments.
Security and sovereignty: a united front
Facing the security challenges shaking the Sahelo-Saharan strip and West Africa, Cotonou and Bamako are now on the same page. One of the major resolutions concerns the strengthening of security coordination to combat terrorism and organised crime more effectively.
On the diplomatic front, the two leaders firmly reaffirmed their unwavering commitment to the principles of sovereignty, territorial integrity and non-interference in internal affairs. This stance resonates as a shared will to have each nation’s strategic choices respected on the international stage.
“The destinies of our peoples are bound by history. Today, we are writing a new page based on mutual respect and co-development,” the Béninois delegation indicated.
Towards a visit by Assimi Goïta to Cotonou
Beyond politics and economics, culture and bringing peoples closer together were also on the priority list. To maintain this new momentum, Romuald Wadagni officially invited General Assimi Goïta to make a state visit to Bénin. The invitation was accepted, and dates will be set through diplomatic channels.
This Bamako meeting unquestionably marks a major diplomatic turning point, proving that despite shifting regional geopolitical configurations, the bridges of pragmatic cooperation remain firmly in place.
