Benin President Patrice Talon on Thursday called for relations to be swiftly re-established between his country and its neighbours, which are now controlled by military rulers after coups.

Referring notably to Niger where President Mohamad Bazoum was overthrown in July, Talon said in his annual address to the nation before parliament there was “a time to condemn, a time to demand and a time to take stock and take note”.

“Our partners need to play their part and say clearly what their intentions are, and what they want from the international community,” he told lawmakers.

“The ball is in the court of the de facto rulers, who must show goodwill.”

Sanctions imposed on Niger by the West African regional bloc have led to the closure of the border with Benin and sorely affected the latter’s economy.

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