Justin Nsengiyumva has met members of the Rwandan community living in Benin, commending their contribution to strengthening the expanding relations between Rwanda and Benin.
The engagement took place on May 25, 2026, in Cotonou, where Prime Minister Nsengiyumva is representing President Paul Kagame at the inauguration of Benin’s new leader, Romuald Wadagni, who secured victory with 94% of the vote.
During the meeting, the Prime Minister encouraged Rwandans in Benin to continue taking advantage of trade, investment and development opportunities emerging from the strong cooperation between the two countries.
He praised the diaspora for playing a key role in reinforcing diplomatic, economic and social ties between Kigali and Cotonou.
Rwanda and Benin maintain close bilateral relations, with cooperation spanning sectors including security, governance and economic development.
Both countries have also implemented visa-free travel arrangements for each other’s citizens, a policy aimed at boosting mobility, trade and regional integration.
The current phase of cooperation builds on strengthened relations following Benin President Patrice Talon’s landmark visit to Rwanda in 2016, which marked a turning point in bilateral engagement between the two countries.
