The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has deployed elements of its standby force to Benin Republic after a failed coup attempt by dissident soldiers seeking to overthrow President Patrice Talon.
The attempted takeover began in the early hours of Sunday, when armed soldiers attacked the president’s residence in Porto-Novo.
Shortly afterwards, a faction of the military appeared on state television, announcing that Talon had been removed from power and state institutions dissolved. The group, reportedly led by Lt. Col. Pascal Tigri, declared:
“The army solemnly commits to give the Beninese people the hope of a truly new era, where fraternity, justice and work prevail.”
Gunfire was also reported around Camp Guezo, near the president’s home, prompting the French Embassy to warn its citizens to stay indoors.
However, loyal military units quickly regrouped, repelled the mutineers and secured key installations, ensuring Talon remained in office.
ECOWAS condemned the attempted coup, describing it as a danger to the will of the Beninese people. The bloc said it holds the plotters “individually and collectively responsible” for any loss of life or property.
The regional body also signalled readiness to assist the government, a step followed hours later by the formal order deploying the ECOWAS Standby Force. Troops from Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana will join Benin’s Republican Army in stabilising the situation and protecting constitutional rule.
Nigeria separately issued a strongly worded statement denouncing the attempted military takeover. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the incident was “a direct assault on democracy, constitutional order, and the collective will of the Beninese people.”
It commended Benin’s security forces for acting “swiftly” to protect legitimate institutions and repel the mutineers.
Abuja reaffirmed its commitment to democracy and regional stability, urging political actors in Benin to remain calm and channel disputes through lawful means.
The deployment of the ECOWAS standby force marks one of the bloc’s most decisive interventions in recent years, reflecting growing concern over renewed coup attempts in the sub-region.