The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has strongly condemned an attempted military coup in Benin Republic, warning that it may deploy a regional standby force to safeguard constitutional order.
The attempted takeover unfolded early Sunday when mutinous soldiers appeared on national television to announce the formation of a “Military Committee for Refoundation.” The broadcast featured Lt-Col Tigri, who declared himself leader of the newly proclaimed junta and claimed that President Patrice Talon’s government had been dissolved.
Security officials say President Talon, who has led the country since 2016, was swiftly evacuated from the presidential palace as the situation developed. According to military sources, the coup plotters failed to secure broad support within the armed forces, leaving the operation isolated and ultimately unsuccessful.
Gunfire was briefly heard around key government installations in Cotonou, including the broadcasting station. But loyalist troops moved quickly to regain control of strategic areas, restoring calm across the capital. Several soldiers allegedly involved in the plot have been arrested, officials said.
A senior security official, speaking anonymously, described the attempted coup as “a rogue operation by a small faction seeking to destabilise the state,” adding that “Benin’s democracy remains intact.”
Within hours, the government announced that order had been fully restored and urged citizens to remain calm while investigations continue.
Reacting to the incident, ECOWAS, in a strongly worded statement, condemned the attempted takeover as an “unconstitutional move” and a direct assault on the democratic will of Beninese citizens. The bloc praised the swift response of the government and the regular army.
“ECOWAS holds the leaders of the plot, both individually and collectively, responsible for any loss of life or damage to property arising from their actions,” the commission said.
It added that the regional body would support Benin “in all forms necessary, including the deployment of the regional standby force,” to uphold the constitution and preserve territorial integrity.
The incident comes just over a year after the arrest of Djimon Tevoedjre, commander of the Republican Guard and President Talon’s former security chief, who was detained in September 2024 over another alleged coup plot.
Though widely regarded as one of West Africa’s more stable democracies, Benin has faced rising political tensions in recent years. The latest unrest adds to regional concerns amid a growing wave of attempted and successful military takeovers across West Africa.