The Economic Community of West African States, ECOWAS, has sharply criticised the attempted military takeover in the Republic of Benin, describing the development as a serious breach of constitutional order.
Soldiers in Benin announced on state television on Sunday, December 7, that they had removed President Patrice Talon from office.
The group, which called itself the Military Committee for Refoundation, CMR, said it had “met and decided that Mr Patrice Talon is removed from office as president of the republic”.
Despite the announcement, Talon’s entourage insisted that the president was unharmed and that loyal forces were restoring control.
His office told AFP, “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.”
Reacting from Abuja, ECOWAS expressed dismay over the attempted coup and demanded adherence to the country’s constitution.
READ ALSO: ECOWAS Under Fire: Obi Slams Bloc for ‘Selective Outrage’ on Guinea-Bissau Coup Glitch
The regional body also commended the government and the Republican Army for swiftly containing the situation.
In its statement, it said, “ECOWAS holds the leaders of the plot both individually and collectively responsible for any loss to life and property occasioned by their action.
“ECOWAS will support the Government and the people in all forms necessary to defend the Constitution and the territorial integrity of Benin.”
The French Embassy later reported gunfire near Camp Guezo close to the president’s residence and urged French citizens to remain indoors.
Benin, which borders Niger and Burkina Faso in the north, has a history of coups and attempted coups.
The latest incident comes after recent political upheavals in Madagascar and Guinea Bissau. President Talon, in power for ten years, is expected to leave office in April.