AfriPulse
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has reacted swiftly to the failed military coup in the Republic of Benin, vowing to deploy its regional standby force if necessary to protect the government after the President narrowly escaped a coup.
In a strong rebuke issued on Sunday, the regional bloc described the attempted putsch as a dangerous violation of the Constitution and an attack on the sovereignty of the nation.
While commending the Beninese Republican Army for remaining loyal and restoring order, ECOWAS warned the coup plotters that they would face severe consequences.
The Commission stated that the ringleaders would be held personally liable for any instability caused by their actions.
The bloc made it clear that it would not tolerate another military incursion in West Africa.
“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 statement declared.
The Federal Government of Nigeria also condemnedthe attempted coup in the Republic of Benin, labeling the move a retrogressive step that threatens regional stability.
In a press release issued on Sunday by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Abuja, the government confirmed that the forcible seizure of power occurred in the early hours of Sunday, December 7, 2025, but was decisively repelled.
The statement, signed by Ministry Spokesperson Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, specifically praised the Beninese military for their loyalty in guaranteeing the safety of the President.
”This act of destabilization represents a direct assault on democracy, constitutional order, and the collective will of the Beninese people,” the statement read.
Reassuring the neighboring nation of its continued cooperation, the Federal Government urged all political actors in Benin to channel their grievances through peaceful, constitutional, and democratic means rather than violence.
As a steadfast partner within ECOWAS and the African Union, Nigeria called on the international community to unite in condemning the act, warning that unconstitutional changes of government threaten the hard-earned democratic gains of West Africa.
Source: NigerianNewsDirect | Read the Full Story…
