The Federal Government has denounced Sunday’s attempted coup in the Republic of Benin, describing it as a dangerous assault on constitutional governance and the will of the Beninese people.
In a statement issued by the spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa, Nigeria expressed concern over the development and reaffirmed its solidarity with the neighbouring country.
“Nigeria stands in firm solidarity with the Government and people of the Republic of Benin and applauds the swift action taken by Beninese authorities to protect its legitimate institutions and preserve the peace,” the ministry said.
Nigeria also commended the professionalism of Benin’s security forces for repelling the attempt, stating that their efforts safeguarded the constitutional order and the safety of President Patrice Talon.
The government warned that unconstitutional changes of government pose significant threats to regional stability and undermine democratic progress on the continent. As a member of ECOWAS and the African Union, Nigeria urged other countries and international partners to speak against the development.
“We call on all member states and the international community to unite in condemning this act and reaffirming our shared commitment to the AU Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance, and the ECOWAS Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance,” the statement added.
The Federal Government encouraged all parties in Benin to remain calm and pursue grievances through lawful and democratic channels, assuring the country of Nigeria’s continued cooperation in promoting peace and stability in the sub-region.
The attempted takeover was earlier announced on state television by a group identifying itself as the “Military Committee for Refoundation”, which claimed to have removed President Talon. However, Talon’s office maintained that he remained secure and that loyal security forces were restoring order.
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The French embassy in Benin also reported gunfire near Camp Guezo, close to the president’s residence, urging French nationals to remain indoors.
The incident adds to a string of recent coups and attempted takeovers in West Africa, including in Niger, Burkina Faso, Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau.
President Talon, 67, who has been in office since 2016, is expected to leave office in April at the end of his second and final term.
ECOWAS has similarly condemned the attempted coup, pledging readiness to take necessary measures to protect democratic governance in the region.