Benin’s new leader arrived in Niger on Tuesday, state TV showed, his country’s first presidential visit to Niamey since a 2023 coup, in a sign of easing tensions between the neighbours.
Niger’s military leaders, who broke off ties with traditional ally France, closed the border with Benin after accusing the country of harbouring “French bases” bent on destabilising Niger.
Junta chief Abdourahamane Tiani greeted Benin President Romuald Wadagni, who took over on May 24.
The two leaders are expected to discuss relaunching security cooperation between the two countries, which are both battling jihadist violence.
A first meeting was to be held in the presidential lounge at the airport, according to Tele Sahel.
In an initial sign of improving relations, Niger’s Prime Minister Ali Lamine Zeine had attended Wadagni’s inauguration in Cotonou where he spoke of “a new path”.
On Tuesday, the main roads in Niamey were decorated with flags of the two countries and hundreds of Beninese gathered to greet the presidential convoy.
Niger is Wadagni’s second foreign trip after he visited Nigeria on Monday.
AFP
