The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has issued a firm denunciation of the “attempted military take-over” in the Republic of Benin.
On Sunday, a group of military personnel announced that they had ousted President Patrice Talon, though his team confirmed he was safe and that loyal forces were working to restore order.
In a statement released in Abuja, the regional body expressed deep concern over the situation and urged strict adherence to the “Constitution of Benin.” ECOWAS also commended the swift response of the Government and the Republican Army in stabilizing the situation.
The bloc further stated that “ECOWAS holds the leaders of the plot both individually and collectively responsible for any loss to life and property occasioned by their action,” adding that it would stand with Benin in every necessary way to safeguard its constitutional order and territorial integrity.
Earlier, a faction identifying itself as the “Military Committee for Refoundation” (CMR) declared on state television that “Mr Patrice Talon is removed from office as president of the republic.”
This development comes on the heels of recent coups in Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau. Benin shares borders with Niger and Burkina Faso—two countries that have also experienced military takeovers.
According to the French Embassy, “gunfire was reported at Camp Guezo” near the president’s official residence, prompting an advisory for French nationals to stay indoors.
Despite the unrest, Talon’s team assured that he remains secure. His office told AFP that “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.”
Benin, which has a long history marked by coups and attempted coups, now faces yet another test of its democratic resilience.