Benin and Togo leaders unite to boost regional ties in Lomé summit

Lomé, 3 June 2026 — Romuald Wadagni, President of the Republic of Benin, touched down in Lomé this afternoon following visits to Abuja, Niamey and Ouagadougou. His arrival at Gnassingbé Eyadéma International Airport was greeted by Faure Essozimna Gnassingbé, President of Togo’s Council, marking the start of a day of high-level discussions aimed at strengthening bilateral cooperation between the two neighbouring nations.

This working visit to Lomé is part of a broader regional tour designed to mend strained diplomatic ties and foster mutual trust. « I warmly welcome my brother, His Excellency Romuald Wadagni, President of Benin, on this official visit to Lomé today, » stated Faure Gnassingbé at the welcoming ceremony. The Togolese leader underscored the depth of ongoing dialogue between Benin and Togo, pledging continued efforts to enhance the welfare of both populations.

Rebuilding trust through diplomacy

Relations between Cotonou and Lomé have recently been clouded by mutual suspicions, fuelled by sensitive cases and allegations of cross-border interference. Against this backdrop, President Wadagni’s visit—beginning with a private meeting with Faure Gnassingbé—sends a strong signal of reconciliation. Diplomatic observers note that the leaders placed particular emphasis on economic integration, regional stability and shared development goals.

The discussions also explored opportunities within the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), with Benin’s president—having already engaged with leaders of the Alliance of Sahel States—seeking to rebuild economic confidence with Togo. As key transit hubs in West Africa, both nations stand to gain from smoother cross-border logistics and trade flows.

« Our private talks centred on deepening friendship and cooperation between our two countries, » affirmed the Togolese leader. This commitment to « brotherhood and solidarity » aims to move past past tensions and foster a region of shared prosperity.

Key priorities: economy and security

Beyond symbolic gestures, President Wadagni’s visit seeks to finalise several bilateral agreements. Both countries face shared security challenges, particularly along the Gulf of Guinea, where transnational threats are on the rise. Enhanced police and customs cooperation ranks high on the agenda, though specifics remain undisclosed.

Following his stop in Lomé, President Wadagni will proceed to Abidjan and Accra, reinforcing Benin’s strategic re-engagement within ECOWAS. For Togo, this visit represents a critical step toward normalising relations with Cotonou—an objective high on the government’s agenda to stabilise the regional environment. The true test now lies in transforming political goodwill into tangible, lasting progress that benefits the people of both nations.