The United States and Benin have reaffirmed their commitment to deepening cooperation in both economic and security spheres.
This commitment was underscored during a high-level meeting held in Washington, D.C., on Tuesday, as concerns mount over increasing insecurity in the West African region.
U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary Christopher Landau hosted Benin’s Foreign Minister, Olushegun Adjadi Bakari, for discussions centered on expanding trade relations and bolstering U.S. support for Benin in addressing the growing threat of terrorism.
According to a statement from the U.S. Spokesperson’s Office, Landau stated that “Washington is keen to expand its trade platform with Cotonou.” The U.S. official also conveyed his country’s condolences following Benin’s recent military losses in attacks claimed by the jihadist group Jama’at Nusrat ul-Islam wa al-Muslimin (JNIM). The United States “reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Benin’s sovereignty and security capabilities” as the West African nation faces the spillover of armed group activity from the Sahel.
Responding on X (formerly Twitter), Minister Bakari stated, “On behalf of the Republic of Benin, I offer our sincere thanks for your kind condolences.” He further added, “We welcome your continued commitment to strengthening our partnership in governance, security, and economic development.”
The following day, Minister Bakari announced on X that he also met with Massad Boulos, a senior advisor for Africa under the Trump administration, accompanied by Benin’s newly appointed ambassador to the United States, Agniola Ahouanmenou. This meeting aimed to “reaffirm the shared ambition to strengthen the bilateral partnership,” with a particular focus on “shared prosperity, regional stability, and long-term strategic cooperation.” These diplomatic engagements occur against a backdrop of increasing security challenges for Benin, which is experiencing a rise in cross-border terrorist attacks originating from the volatile Sahel region.
AC/Sf/fss/abj/APA