Follow Us on Google
– Act of destabilisation represents direct assault on democracy, constitutional order, collective will of Beninese people – Nigeria
– Situation under control – ECOWAS
From Aidoghie Paulinus, Abuja
The Federal Government of Nigeria and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) have condemned the attempted coup d’état in the Republic of Benin.
A group of soldiers under the aegis of the Military Committee for Refoundation had announced the overthrow of Benin Republic’s President Patrice Talon and all state institutions in the country.
The uniformed soldiers, reading out a statement in the French language, said they were taking charge to restore order in the neighbouring country.
The soldiers were reported to have stormed Benin Republic’s state television to announce the dissolution of the government of Talon.
The attempted coup d’état is coming after a recent incident in Guinea-Bissau, following the controversial conclusion of the country’s elections.
The case of the Benin Republic is adding to the growing incidences of coup d’états in the West Africa sub-region, namely Burkina Faso, Niger, Mali, and the Republic of Guinea.
According to France24, the unrest commenced in the early hours with an armed attack on President Talon’s residence in Porto-Novo.
The assault was said to have been coordinated by Lt. Col. Pascal Tigri, alongside loyal troops who later seized control of the national broadcast station.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in a statement issued by its spokesperson, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, said the Government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria has received with grave concern and unequivocally condemns in the strongest possible terms “the attempted forcible seizure of power in our friendly neighbour and brotherly nation, the Republic of Benin in the early hours of Sunday 7th December, 2025.”
The government also said the act of destabilisation represented a direct assault on democracy, constitutional order, and the collective will of the Beninese people, who have consistently demonstrated their commitment to peaceful political transitions.
“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.
Other News
“We commend the courage and professionalism of the Beninese security forces in defending the constitutional order and guaranteeing the safety of the
President. Their dedication ensured that the unfortunate attempt to subvert democracy was decisively repelled,” the government said.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs further said Nigeria reiterated its strong commitment to the principles of democracy, good governance, and the rule of law as fundamental pillars for peace, development, and regional stability.
The government added that unconstitutional changes of government were an unacceptable and retrogressive step that threatened the hard-earned democratic gains and socio-economic progress of the sub-region.
“As a steadfast partner within the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the African Union, Nigeria calls on all member states and the international community to unite in condemning this act and in reaffirming our shared commitment to the African Union’s Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance, and the ECOWAS Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance.
“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,” the government also said.
The government also reassured the Government of the Republic of Benin of its full support and continued cooperation as both countries work together, as brothers and partners, to deepen democracy and ensure lasting peace and prosperity “for our peoples and the entire West African region.”
Earlier, the ECOWAS Commission, in a statement issued in Abuja, said it received with consternation reports of an attempted military takeover in the Republic of Benin.
“ECOWAS strongly condemns this unconstitutional move that represents a subversion of the will of the people of Benin,” the ECOWAS Commission said.
ECOWAS further called for the full respect of the constitution of Benin and saluted the efforts of the Government and the Republican Army in bringing the situation under control.
“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, including the deployment of the regional standby force, to defend the Constitution and the territorial integrity of Benin,” the ECOWAS Commission also said.
