Benin's new President Romuald Wadagni secured a commitment from Niger's military junta to begin reopening their common border, less than a week after taking office, as he travelled to Niger and Burkina Faso to rebuild ties with the Sahel states.

Mr Wadagni travelled to Niamey on Tuesday. The border was closed after Niger accused Benin of harbouring “French bases” bent on destabilising Niger. Both countries are battling jihadist violence.

Niger's foreign minister, Bakary Yaou Sangare, said the two presidents discussed the “terrorist threat” in the Sahel and West Africa and “reaffirmed their commitment to joining forces to combat the scourge of terrorism and banditry”.

Mr Wadagni later in the day headed to Burkina Faso, where he met head of state Captain Ibrahim Traoré. They reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening political dialogue and deepening cooperation, with discussions focused on security, counterterrorism, trade, infrastructure, vocational training and logistics.

Mr Wadagni's first international trip was to Nigeria on Monday. Niger, alongside junta-led Burkina Faso and Mali, has formed the Alliance of Sahel States.