Wadagni and Macron discuss security and cultural restitution in Paris

Beninese President Romuald Wadagni met French President Emmanuel Macron at the Elysee Palace on Monday during his first official visit to France since taking office in May.

The discussions covered the state of relations between Benin and France, with security, energy, training and culture among the issues on the agenda.

Macron described the relationship between the two countries as one between equals, and said it was based on “friendship, trust and ambition.”

Security cooperation and regional tensions

France continues to train Beninese military pilots and special forces involved in fighting insurgents in northern Benin. The security cooperation comes as Paris seeks to rebuild its relationship with African countries amid a reduction in its military presence on the continent and growing anti-French sentiment.

Benin’s continued links with France have also contributed to strained relations with its neighbors, according to the source report. Those neighboring countries accuse Benin of hosting French troops, although the countries making the accusations were not identified.

The talks therefore brought bilateral security cooperation into focus alongside broader discussions about France’s role in Africa and Benin’s regional relationships.

Cultural heritage remains an issue

Cultural relations were another part of the discussions. Benin is seeking the return of national treasures that were looted during the 19th century.

A number of Beninese cultural artifacts were returned in 2024, while dozens of others remain in Paris at the Louvre Museum and the Quai Branly Museum.

The restitution request remains an important issue in Benin’s relationship with France, alongside cooperation in energy, training and security.

Wadagni’s visit provides a high-level setting for both countries to address those areas as they continue to define their bilateral ties.