Regional bloc rallies behind Benin after Soldiers announce takeover

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has issued a strong condemnation of the attempted military takeover in the Republic of Benin, describing the development as a dangerous breach of constitutional order at a time the region continues to battle democratic instability.

On Sunday, a faction of military personnel in Benin announced on state television that they had overthrown President Patrice Talon. Identifying themselves as the “Military Committee for Refoundation” (CMR), the soldiers claimed they had met and resolved to remove the president from office.

Their declaration immediately triggered anxiety across the country and the sub-region, especially given the spate of recent military interventions in West Africa and beyond.

But ECOWAS, in a statement released in Abuja, said it received the news “with dismay” and insisted that the constitution of the Republic of Benin must be fully respected.

The regional bloc applauded the swift response of the Beninoise Government and the Republican Army, noting that their efforts helped restore control before the situation escalated.

“ECOWAS holds the leaders of the plot both individually and collectively responsible for any loss of life and destruction of property arising from their actions.”

“The bloc stands firmly with the Government and people of Benin and will provide all necessary support to defend the Constitution and preserve the nation’s territorial integrity,” the statement read.

Talon Safe, Coup Plotters Lose Ground

Although the CMR briefly took over state television, President Patrice Talon’s entourage quickly reassured the public that the president was safe and that loyal forces were re-establishing authority.

“This is a small group of people who only control the television. The regular army is regaining control. The city and the country remain secure,” his office said.

Reports from the French Embassy corroborated the unrest, confirming gunfire near Camp Guezo, close to the president’s official residence in Cotonou.

The embassy advised French nationals to remain indoors as a precaution.

President Talon, who has been in office for a decade, is expected to leave office in April.

The attempt on his government comes months after coups in Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau, and follows earlier disruptions in neighbouring Niger and Burkina Faso.

Benin itself has a long history of coup attempts, although the country has been largely stable in recent years.

Sunday’s incident appears to be another reminder of the fragile political climate across West Africa.

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