Mali’s junta leader Assimi Goita and Benin’s newly elected President Romuald Wadagni have agreed to revive bilateral relations and relaunch the Mali-Benin joint commission, marking a significant step toward deeper cooperation after years of limited engagement. The agreement was reached during talks in Bamako on 9 June.
According to a joint statement, the commission, established in 1986 but inactive since 2001, will become the main framework for cooperation in economic, cultural and security matters. Both sides highlighted the strategic role of the port of Cotonou in supporting Malian trade and agreed to expand commercial and cultural exchanges.
The leaders also outlined plans to promote investment, industrial development and transport facilitation, while renewing participation in trade fairs and business forums. Officials said the commission’s second session would help advance pending agreements and adapt cooperation to current regional conditions.
On security, Mali and Benin pledged closer coordination against terrorism and violent extremism in West Africa. The two governments stressed the importance of regional solidarity and cooperation in addressing shared security challenges and supporting peace and development.
Wadagni also expressed condolences over Mali’s recent losses during coordinated attacks in April involving the jihadist group JNIM and Tuareg separatist rebels. He invited Goita to Benin for a reciprocal visit.
Mali and Benin have maintained only limited diplomatic engagement since the early 2000s despite longstanding historical ties and shared participation in regional institutions.
The renewed dialogue signals a broader effort to strengthen relations between Sahel states and their neighbours. If implemented, the agreements could boost trade, improve regional cooperation and support joint responses to security threats in West Africa.
