NEWS SEEN BY – Since June 2023, he has been the new face of Beninese diplomacy. A successful entrepreneur, Shegun Adjadi Bakari embodies the dynamism that Patrice Talon wanted to give to the development of Benin and its economic diplomacy. However, he is not a novice in politics. Supporting Abdoulaye Bio Tchané during the 2016 presidential election – the latter has since become a pillar of Patrice Talon’s majority – Shegun Bakari was for a time the advisor to the Togolese president, Faure Essozimna Gnassingbé, with the rank of minister.
To read: From finance to energy… Shegun Bakari, specialist in transitions
He inherited a volatile political situation within the sub-region. Supporter of firmness towards the putschists, Benin first positioned itself on the front line against the soldiers who seized power by force and, in particular, in the standoff which opposed the Community Economic Affairs of West African States (ECOWAS) to the assassins of the Nigerien head of state, Mohamed Bazoum. A position that Benin finally decided to soften, for the benefit of restoring relations between Benin and its putschist neighbors, as President Patrice Talon made known in his annual speech to the nation this Thursday, December 21.
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How does Shegun Bakari navigate these sometimes troubled waters? He answered questions from Young Africa.
Jeune Afrique: Your profile, essentially economic, corresponds to the priorities that Patrice Talon has set for the country. Is your mission mainly focused on economic diplomacy?
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Shegun Bakari: Since 2016, the president has been very clear regarding the objectives of the Government Action Program [PAG]. Our diplomacy focuses above all on improving the living conditions of the Beninese. My role is to participate, on my scale, in this action, which aims to make Benin a major player on the sub-regional and international scene, particularly through its development objectives.
To read: Patrice Talon, the Masterchef of Cotonou, by François Soudan
The work of your predecessor, Aurélien Agbénonci, suffered, it is said, from his lack of coordination with the Minister of Economy and Finance. How do you work with Romuald Wadagni?
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I know nothing of what you say about the relations between MM. Agbénonci and Wadagni. What I can say is that ministerial work is a relay race: everyone does their part before passing the baton. The important thing is to ensure continuity of action, which is the case. It is an honor to follow in the footsteps of my big brother Aurélien Agbénonci.
Read: In Benin, Patrice Talon appoints Shegun Bakari to Foreign Affairs
You inherit a tense situation in the sub-region, where coups d’état are increasing…
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Not only does the resurgence, in our community space, of monopolization or attempts to monopolize power by force shake our democratic values, but it undermines our progress towards development. For these two reasons, Benin’s position is simple. It consists of opposing any takeover of power by force. It is the fruit of our history, and, above all, it is about the rules that we have set together.
Don’t you have the feeling that part of the West African populations no longer want these rules, set by ECOWAS, or even that they reject this sub-regional organization? ?
I do not think that these populations can be in favor of circumstances which lead to the worsening of poverty. The numbers are there. We know that the corollary of these coups is a significant increase in poverty.
To read: Senegal, Ivory Coast, Benin… Neighbor of putschist country, instructions for use
However, many Malians, Burkinabè, Guineans and Nigeriens support the juntas of their country…
In my opinion, it is above all the expression of a quest for good governance. The political class must take this factor into account and work in this direction.
On December 10, ECOWAS set up a committee responsible for negotiating with the Nigerien junta. The aim is to develop a roadmap that quickly ends the transition period. Is the restoration of Mohamed Bazoum in his functions no longer relevant?
It’s been four months since the coup took place, and four months since we were in an impasse. We need to be realistic and review our demands. The government of President Bazoum has been overthrown, that is a fact. We need to get out of this situation and move forward. And, for this, negotiate with the CNSP [Conseil national de sauvegarde de la patrie] a rapid return to constitutional order.
Read: ECOWAS: “The military option in Niger is not abandoned, but suspended”
We know that past requirements are not achievable, but we have a minimum [d’objectifs] to achieve: the release of Mohamed Bazoum, his family and members of his government. This is a strong gesture that is expected from the CNSP if we want to move towards negotiations and, ultimately, towards a gradual lifting of sanctions.
While the mediation in which it had engaged with ECOWAS seemed to have stalled, the Nigerien junta increased its meetings with the Togolese authorities. Is Lomé being too conciliatory towards military regimes?
In diplomacy, you have to leave all doors open. It is essential that there are always channels that allow dialogue to be maintained. Togo is part of ECOWAS and actively participates in restoring stability in the sub-region.
To read: Robert Dussey: “We must prioritize dialogue with Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger”
It must also be clarified that ECOWAS is not at war with Niger, which is a sister country, and that the position of Togo, which is in the direction of negotiation, is not different from that of organization.
We fully assume our relations with France, as we assume our friendship with China or Saudi Arabia.
We can only note the clear warming of your relations with Nigeria, which have long been tense…
Benin and Nigeria have an important shared history. As President Patrice Talon often says, they are “Siamese twins”. Today, Patrice Talon and Bola Tinubu demonstrate very marked political will and perfect alignment. This is due, in particular, to the friendship they feel for each other.
Anti-French sentiment is spreading across the region, including Benin. Are you one of those who believe that we need to rethink the relationship with Paris?
In Benin, we fully assume our relations with France – which are peaceful – just as we assume our friendship with China or Saudi Arabia.
To read: “Down with France! »: investigation into anti-French sentiment in Africa
Our commitment to uninhibited diplomacy allows us to strengthen our relationships with our historic partners while developing dynamic relationships with new partners. In a polarized world, multilateral relations have always been underpinned by power struggles. But Benin relies on its personal choices, and no one dictates the position to adopt.
The jihadist threat is at the gates of Benin and strikes already the north of the country. Are you considering further diversifying your military partnerships?
The situation is indeed worrying, even if, in Benin, the threat is contained thanks to the crucial role of our defense and security forces, which ensure that the national territory is preserved.
To read: Benin: how Patrice Talon tries to stop the jihadist threat
In military matters, Benin works with partners from all walks of life. With Europe, France, China, the United States, the United Arab Emirates or even with its sub-regional partners of ECOWAS. We do not deny ourselves any partnership to ensure the security of our country.
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2023-12-23 09:28:45
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