Beninese President Patrice Talon said on Thursday that he wanted to “rapidly restore relations” between Benin and its neighbours who have experienced coups.

He stated this in his annual address to the nation before the National Assembly.

The head of state affirmed that there was “a time to condemn, a time to demand and a time to take stock and take note”, referring in particular to Niger, where a coup d’état in July, overthrew President Mohamed Bazoum.

The sanctions of the international community and the Community of West African States (ECOWAS) against Niger have serious economic consequences for Benin, due to the closure of the borders between the two countries.

Benin is notably recording a drop in its port revenues, following the cessation of the transit of goods to Niger via its ports.