The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) on Sunday ordered the deployment of operatives of its standby force to the Republic of Benin, hours after condemning what it described as an attempted military takeover in the country.
The ECOWAS disclosed the decision in a statement issued just after consultations among members of the Mediation and Security Council at the level of Heads of State and Government.
It said, “Further to its earlier statement on the Republic of Benin, the ECOWAS Commission hereby informs the general public that 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, and after consultation among members of the Mediation and Security Council at the level of Heads of State and Government, the Chair of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government has ordered the deployment of elements of the ECOWAS Standby Force to the Republic of Benin with immediate effect.
“The Regional Force shall be made up of troops from the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the Republic of Sierra Leone, the Republic of Côte d’Ivoire, and the Republic of Ghana. The Force shall support the Government and the Republican Army of Benin to preserve constitutional order and the territorial integrity of the Republic of Benin.”
“ECOWAS strongly condemns this unconstitutional move that represents a subversion of the will of the people of Benin,” the regional bloc said.
The commission called for full respect for Benin’s constitutional order while praising loyal forces for working to restore calm.
“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,” it stated.
It also warned the coup plotters, saying, “ECOWAS holds the leaders of the plot both individually and collectively responsible for any loss to life and property occasioned by their action.”
The alliance indicated its willingness to intervene if necessary. “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,” the press release said.
Despite the rebel soldiers’ assertions, Talon’s administration maintained that the president was secure 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 told AFP.
The French embassy reported gunfire near Camp Guezo, near the president’s residence in Cotonou, and advised French nationals to stay indoors.
The attempted coup adds to the region’s growing instability following recent military takeovers in Niger, Burkina Faso, Madagascar, and Guinea-Bissau.
Benin, once known as one of West Africa’s most stable democracies, has a history of coups and attempts.
