Foiled coup: ECOWAS deploys troops to Benin, plotters arrested
ECOWAS Deploys Standby Force to Benin Amid Attempted Military Coup
The **Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS)** has ordered the deployment of elements of its standby force to the **Republic of Benin**, following reports of an attempted military takeover in the country on Sunday.
The **ECOWAS Commission** announced the decision after consultations among members of the Mediation and Security Council at the level of Heads of State and Government.
“Further to its earlier statement on the Republic of Benin, pursuant to the provisions of relevant ECOWAS instruments, in particular Article 25(e) of the 1999 Protocol Relating to the Mechanism for Conflict Prevention, Management, Resolution, Peacekeeping and Security, the Chair of ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government has ordered the deployment of elements of the ECOWAS Standby Force to Benin with immediate effect,” the statement said.
The **regional force** will include troops from **Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Côte d’Ivoire, and Ghana** and is tasked with supporting the **Government and Republican Army of Benin** to preserve constitutional order and territorial integrity.
The deployment follows tension and reports of gunfire in **Cotonou**, after a group of soldiers appeared on state television claiming to have removed **President Patrice Talon** from office. Calling themselves the “**Military Committee for Refoundation**,” the soldiers announced that Talon had been removed and state institutions dissolved.
Earlier, ECOWAS had condemned the attempt, stating it received the news “with consternation” and describing the coup attempt as “an unconstitutional move that represents a subversion of the will of the people of Benin.”
“**ECOWAS calls for full respect of the Constitution of Benin** and salutes the efforts of the Government and Republican Army in bringing the situation under control,” the commission added. It warned that coup plotters would be held accountable for any loss of life or property.
Despite the claims by the renegade soldiers, Talon’s office insisted the president was safe and in command. “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,” his office said.
The **French embassy** reported disturbances near **Camp Guezo**, close to the presidential residence in Cotonou, and advised French nationals to remain indoors.
The attempted coup comes amid increasing instability in West Africa, following recent military takeovers in **Niger, Burkina Faso, Madagascar, and Guinea-Bissau**.
**President Patrice Talon**, 67, a former businessman nicknamed the “cotton king” of Cotonou, has been in power since 2016 and is constitutionally due to step down in April at the end of his second term.
Nigerian Air Force Deployed for Surveillance
In response to the coup attempt, the **Nigerian Air Force (NAF)** deployed a jet to the Republic of Benin for aerial surveillance and monitoring. The aircraft departed from Lagos and operated in line with **ECOWAS protocols** and the mandate of the ECOWAS Standby Force.
NAF spokesman, **Air Commodore Ehinmen Ejodame**, confirmed the mission and said it underscores Nigeria’s commitment to regional security. The operation was conducted in coordination with ECOWAS and host-nation authorities, adhering to international norms.
Government Secures Control Amid Arrests
Early Sunday, mutineers launched an assault on the **presidential residence**, which was repelled by loyalist forces. They subsequently stormed the national broadcast station in a bid to control state media.
By late Sunday, the government had regained control of major installations across **Cotonou**. A senior security official, speaking on condition of anonymity, stated: “The situation is under control. The National Guard has everything surrounded.”
Authorities arrested **around a dozen individuals**, mostly serving soldiers, along with one former member of the armed forces, including the ringleaders of the foiled coup.
ECOWAS, African Union, and Nigeria Condemn the Attempt
ECOWAS condemned the attempted takeover as a “subversion of the will of the people” and reaffirmed its readiness to intervene, including through its standby force.
The **African Union (AU)** described the coup attempt as “a direct affront to the continent’s democratic principles.” AU Chairperson **Mahmoud Yousouf** urged the plotters to return to their barracks, respect the Constitution of Benin, and prioritize national unity.
Similarly, the **Federal Government of Nigeria** condemned the coup, praising the **Beninese security forces** for their swift and professional response in defending the president and constitutional order.
Nigeria urged calm and highlighted the importance of resolving political differences **through constitutional and peaceful means**, reaffirming its commitment to democracy, good governance, and regional stability.
Historical Context and Implications
Benin, once considered one of West Africa’s most stable democracies, has a history of coups and attempted coups. Analysts note that the attempted takeover comes at a sensitive time as Talon prepares to conclude his second term.
The incident highlights growing political volatility in the region, underscoring ECOWAS and AU’s role in defending democratic governance and maintaining peace across West Africa.
