The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has issued a stern condemnation of an attempted military coup in the Republic of Benin, labelling it an “unconstitutional move” and a “subversion of the will of the people.”
In a statement released on Sunday, the regional body saluted the efforts of the Beninese government and its Republican Army in bringing the situation under control following reports of an overnight attempt to seize power by force in the coastal nation.
West African bloc vows all necessary support, including potential military force, to defend constitutional order after overnight crisis.
According to regional security sources and local media reports, the attempt unfolded in the early hours of Sunday, December 7th. The precise chain of events remains under investigation, but initial reports indicate that a faction within the military targeted key government installations in the economic capital, Cotonou, including the national broadcaster and military barracks.
Gunfire was reported in several districts of the city, plunging the normally tranquil metropolis into hours of anxiety and confusion. Internet connectivity in the country was reportedly disrupted, a common tactic during such upheavals.
However, by dawn, loyalist forces appeared to have regained the upper hand. Government spokespersons announced that the “situation was under control” and that the “Republican Army had remained faithful to its constitutional duty.” Authorities urged calm and asked citizens to go about their business while security operations continued to apprehend the plotters.
The attempt in Benin comes against a grim backdrop for West Africa, which has seen a resurgence of military takeovers since 2020 in Mali, Burkina Faso, Guinea, and Niger. ECOWAS has struggled to reverse these coups, facing diplomatic deadlocks and the recent formation of the “Alliance of Sahel States” by the juntas in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger.
Benin, once hailed as a stable model of democracy in the region, has experienced its own political turbulence in recent years. President Patrice Talon’s second term has been marked by controversial constitutional and electoral reforms, as well as an opposition crackdown that led to a tense political climate and parliamentary boycotts.
While economic growth has been robust, critics have accused the government of democratic backsliding, creating a complex socio-political environment.
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