The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has strongly condemned the attempted military coup in the Benin Republic, describing it as a “subversion of the will of the people of Benin.”
In a statement released on Sunday by the ECOWAS Commission, the regional group commended the West African nation’s army for responding swiftly and bringing the situation under control.
It called for protection and respect of the constitution of the Republic of Benin, adding that the coup plotters will be held responsible for any loss of life arising from the illegal attempt to take over the government led by President Patrice Talon.
“ECOWAS strongly condemns this unconstitutional move that represents a subversion of the will of the people of Benin,” the ECOWAS Commission stated.
“ECOWAS Calls for the full respect of the Constitution of Benin and salutes the efforts of the Government and the Republican Army in bringing the situation under control.
“ECOWAS holds the leaders of the plot both individually and collectively responsible for any loss to life and property occasioned by their action.
ECOWAS assured its support to the Government and the people of the Benin Republic in all forms, including “the deployment of the regional standby force to defend the Constitution and the territory of Benin.”
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Some West African countries have been in the throes of military crises in recent years. The coup attempt in the Benin Republic followed similar acts in Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau in recent months.
Benin is bordered in the north by Niger and Burkina Faso, which have also recorded military coups in recent years.
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The incident has put the international community on alert. In a post on X, the U.S. Embassy in Cotonou said it is monitoring reports of gunfire in Cotonou. It urged people to avoid Cotonou and other areas near the presidential palace in Porto-Novo, the country’s capital.
The French Embassy also posted on X, confirming gunfire in some parts of the country and urged French citizens to be security-conscious and stay indoors.
Meanwhile French Air Force has reportedly launched surveillance and intelligence-gathering flights over Porto-Novo, the capital of Benin. The aircraft, identified as a B-350 ASLR with registration F-GYEE, departed from Cotonou earlier on Sunday. The operation being carried out in support of the Beninese government aims to strengthen monitoring capabilities and provide intelligence to help safeguard the capital and surrounding areas.
Victor Ezeja is a passionate journalist, scholar and analyst of socioeconomic issues in Nigeria and Africa. He is skilled in energy reporting, business and economy, and holds a master's degree in Mass Communication. He can be reached via @VICTOREZEJA on X
