Russia and UAE prepare to welcome West Africa’s newest president

Benin’s newly elected leader, President Romuald Wadagni, is preparing for an official diplomatic tour to the United Arab Emirates and Russia.

• Benin's new president, Romuald Wadagni, will soon visit the United Arab Emirates and Russia on an official diplomatic tour.
• Wadagni took office on May 24, 2026, after winning the April presidential election.
• His diplomatic tour is part of broader international engagement efforts since becoming president.
• Earlier, Wadagni visited France and Rwanda, focusing on strengthening bilateral cooperation.

Having taken office on May 24, 2026, following his victory in the April presidential election, Wadagni has been actively expanding his country's international engagements.

According to reporting by La Nouvelle Tribune, the Beninese president "will soon travel to the United Arab Emirates and then to Russia for the summit hosted by Vladimir Putin".

Benin strengthens international partnerships with the UAE and Russia

This diplomatic tour comes as part of a broader series of international visits undertaken by Wadagni since assuming the presidency.

On October 5, he completed his first official trip to France, where the central focus of the discussions was "bilateral cooperation between the two countries".

As reported by Business Insider Africa, Macron praised the ties between both nations, describing the partnership as a "relationship of 'friendship, trust, and ambition' and 'a relationship between equals."

Additionally, he was received in Kigali by Rwandan President Paul Kagame, representing the first official visit of Wadagni to Rwanda since taking office.

As reported by La Nouvelle Tribune, Wadagni’s upcoming visits to the UAE and Moscow for the Russia-Africa summit reflect Benin's ongoing efforts to deepen bilateral ties across multiple continents.