Bénin and Mali forge a new solidarity pact during landmark visit to Bamako

Romuald Wadagni, the President of the Republic of Bénin, carried out a historic working visit to Bamako on Tuesday, 9 June 2026. Welcomed by the Malian Head of State, 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 changing West African context, Bénin and Mali have chosen the path of dialogue and mutual reinforcement. Received with full honours at the Koulouba Palace, Romuald Wadagni engaged in lengthy discussions with General Assimi Goïta. A meeting described as “fraternal and highly fruitful” by both chancelleries.

An enhanced economic and commercial bridge

At the heart of the talks: revitalising economic exchanges. Aware of the strategic role the port of Cotonou can play in supplying Mali, the two heads of state agreed to intensify bilateral trade. To give formal structure to these ambitions, the immediate relaunch of the Great Bénin-Mali Joint Commission was announced. Its second session is expected to be held very soon to materialise these economic agreements and facilitate the free movement of goods and investments.

Security and sovereignty: a united front

Faced with the security challenges shaking the Sahel-Saharan belt and West Africa, Cotonou and Bamako are aligning their positions. One of the major resolutions concerns strengthening security coordination to more effectively combat terrorism and organised crime.

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 ensure respect for each nation’s strategic choices on the international stage.

“The destinies of our peoples are linked by history. Today, we are writing a new chapter 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 placed on the priority agenda. 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 meeting in Bamako unquestionably marks a major diplomatic turning point, proving that despite regional geopolitical reconfigurations, the bridges of pragmatic cooperation remain firmly anchored.