The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has denounced the attempted overthrow of the government in the Republic of Benin.
On Sunday, a group of soldiers claimed to have deposed President Patrice Talon, though those close to the president confirmed he remained unharmed and that loyal forces were reclaiming control.
In a statement issued in Abuja, the regional organisation said it received the news of the attempted takeover with shock and demanded unwavering adherence to Benin’s Constitution.
ECOWAS also praised the swift response of the Government and the Republican Army in stabilising the situation.
The statement reads: “ECOWAS Commission has received with consternation reports of an attempted military take-over in the Republic of Benin.
“ECOWAS strongly condemns this unconstitutional move that represents a subversion of the will of the people of Benin.
“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 responsable for any loss to life and property occasioned by their action.
“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.”
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The soldiers involved, operating under the name “Military Committee for Refoundation” (CMR), announced on state television that they had resolved that “Mr Patrice Talon is removed from office as president of the republic”.
The development comes on the heels of recent coups in Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau, adding to instability in a region where neighbouring Niger and Burkina Faso have also experienced military seizures of power.
The French Embassy reported on X that “gunfire was reported at Camp Guezo”, located near the president’s official residence in the commercial hub. The mission advised French nationals to stay indoors until calm was restored.
