Diplomacy: from Kigali to New York, Benin steps up its international presence

September 2026 is a busy diplomatic month for Benin, with an African tour by the President followed by a strong presence at the 81st session of the UN General Assembly.

Kigali, 16-17 September

On his first official visit to Rwanda as Head of State, Romuald Wadagni held talks with President Paul Kagame and paid tribute to the victims at the Gisozi Genocide Memorial. Discussions covered military and intelligence cooperation, identification, digital services, tourism and investment.

Brazzaville, 17 September

The President then paid a working visit to President Denis Sassou-N'Guesso, focusing on economic cooperation and regional dynamics.

New York

• On 23 September, Foreign Minister Corinne Amori Brunet chaired a ministerial meeting of the African Union Peace and Security Council, which Benin chairs in September.
• On Monday 28 September 2026, Benin will address the General Assembly's general debate.

Benin – Belgium

• Development cooperation: Belgium's 2023-2028 programme amounts to EUR 45 million (agriculture, port, health, community policing).
• Defence: in February 2026 Belgium announced the permanent stationing of a military detachment in Benin for training.
• Economy: the port of Cotonou has been managed since 2018 by a subsidiary of Port of Antwerp-Bruges (see Benin's economy).
• European Union: President Wadagni paid a working visit to the EU institutions in Brussels on 24 June 2026.

Contact details for the diplomatic network: Embassies and Honorary consulates. See also the new government.

Sources

• Ecofin Agency — Benin and Rwanda target investment and trade growth (17 September 2026)
• Nasuba — Wadagni in Brazzaville
• Le Matinal — Benin at the UN rostrum on 28 September
• Belgian Embassy in Benin — Development cooperation
• EEAS — Working visit to Brussels