Relationship dossier
Benin
Mali
Relationship assessment
ECOWAS sanctions on Mali marked a period of significant friction with Benin.
Benin toward Mali
-25Benin joined the ECOWAS economic and diplomatic sanctions imposed on Mali in January 2022 in response to the delayed transition to civilian rule.
Mali toward Benin
Not assessedOverall relationship
Not assessedHow to read these scores
Scores are rough judgments, not objective measurements or current verification. Directional scores describe government policy and conduct, not public opinion. The overall score is an independent estimate, never an average.
- −100
- Extreme sustained hostility
- −50
- Substantially adversarial
- 0
- Mixed or neutral, supported by knowledge
- +50
- Substantially cooperative
- +100
- Exceptionally close sustained partnership
“Not assessed” means there is no recorded score. Pair existence makes no claim about diplomatic recognition or established relations.
Relationship context
Overview
Benin joined the ECOWAS response that imposed economic and diplomatic sanctions on Mali in 2022 after Mali's transitional authorities delayed elections. The sanctions were lifted later that year. This provides evidence of significant policy friction, but information about direct Malian government conduct toward Benin is insufficient to assess the relationship comprehensively.
Areas of tension
- Benin's participation in ECOWAS sanctions on Mali in 2022
Key developments
ECOWAS imposed economic and diplomatic sanctions on Mali; Benin joined the regional measures.
ECOWAS lifted its sanctions on Mali.
Major uncertainties
- The scope of direct bilateral cooperation between Benin and Mali is unclear.
- Details of Malian government policy specifically toward Benin are limited.