The Federal Government has condemned the attempted coup in the Republic of Benin on Sunday, calling it a dangerous attack on democracy and the choice of the Beninese people.
In a statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson, Kimiebi Ebienfa, Nigeria expressed concern over the development and restated its support for the neighbouring country. The statement said, “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 also praised Benin’s security forces for stopping the plot. It added, “We commend the courage and professionalism of the Beninese security forces in defending the constitutional order and guaranteeing the safety of the President.”
Nigeria warned that any attempt to remove elected governments by force threatens regional peace and weakens democratic progress. As a member of ECOWAS and the African Union, the country urged both regional and international partners to speak against the incident. “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 said.
Nigeria also appealed for calm within Benin, urging political actors to follow legal channels in resolving any grievances. It added, “We urge all parties in the Republic of Benin to remain calm, uphold the rule of law, and continue to channel any political discourse through peaceful, constitutional and democratic means.”
Authorities in Benin earlier reported that a group calling itself the Military Committee for Refoundation had announced the removal of President Patrice Talon on state television. Talon’s office, however, insisted he was safe and that loyal forces were restoring order.
The French embassy said it recorded gunfire near Camp Guezo, close to the president’s residence, and advised its citizens to stay indoors.
The incident comes at a time when West Africa has seen a series of coups in countries such as Niger, Burkina Faso, Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau. Talon, 67, has led Benin since 2016 and is expected to leave office in April when his second and final term ends.
ECOWAS has also condemned the attempted power grab and said it is ready to take necessary steps in line with its rules.
