ECOWAS sends forces to defend Benin’s democratic government amid thwarted coup

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has ordered the immediate deployment of its Standby Force to the Republic of Benin, following what the bloc described as an attempted military takeover in the country on Sunday.

The decision was announced in an ECOWAS Commission statement issued after an emergency consultation involving Heads of State and Government under the Mediation and Security Council.

According to the regional body, the deployment follows the provisions of Article 25(e) of the 1999 Protocol on Conflict Prevention, Management, Resolution, Peacekeeping and Security.

“The Chair of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government has ordered the deployment of elements of the ECOWAS Standby Force to the Republic of Benin with immediate effect,” the commission said.

The regional force, it added, will consist of troops from Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana, and will support Benin’s government and its Republican Army in defending constitutional order and safeguarding the country’s territorial integrity.

This heightened response comes amid rising tension in Cotonou, where gunfire was reported after a faction of soldiers appeared on national television declaring the removal of President Patrice Talon from office.

The group, which called itself the “Military Committee for Refoundation,” claimed it had resolved to oust the president.

ECOWAS had earlier condemned the development from its Abuja headquarters, describing the attempt as a shocking assault on democratic norms.

“ECOWAS strongly condemns this unconstitutional move that represents a subversion of the will of the people of Benin,” the statement said.

The bloc demanded full respect for Benin’s constitution, applauding loyal military units that were working to restore calm.

It also cautioned the coup leaders, warning that they would be held individually and collectively responsible for any loss of life or property resulting from their actions.

“ECOWAS will support the Government and the people in all forms necessary, including the deployment of the regional standby force, to defend the Constitution and the territorial integrity of Benin,” the commission added.

Despite the claims by the renegade soldiers, President Talon’s office insisted he remained secure and fully in charge of the country.

“This is a small group of people who only control the television. The regular army is regaining control. The city and the country are completely secure,” the presidency told AFP.

The French Embassy also confirmed unrest near Camp Guezo, close to the president’s residence, noting that gunfire had been reported. It advised French nationals to remain indoors.

The attempted coup adds to concerns over rising instability in West Africa, following recent military takeovers in Niger, Burkina Faso, Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau.

Benin, a country once regarded as one of the region’s most stable democracies, has a history of coups and attempted putsches.

President Patrice Talon, 67, a businessman widely referred to as the “cotton king,” has governed since 2016 and is expected to complete his second and final term in April.

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