The Federal Government has condemned Sunday’s attempted coup in the Republic of Benin, describing it as a direct attack on democracy and the collective will of the Beninese people.
In a statement issued by Kimiebi Ebienfa, spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Nigeria expressed deep 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 their legitimate institutions and preserve the peace,” the statement read.
The ministry also commended Benin’s security forces for repelling the plot.
“We commend the courage and professionalism of the Beninese security forces in defending the constitutional order and ensuring the safety of the President,” it added.
Nigeria warned that unconstitutional changes of government threaten regional stability and undermine decades of democratic progress. As a member of ECOWAS and the African Union, the country called on regional and international partners to strongly denounce the attempted takeover.
“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, as well as the ECOWAS Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance,” the ministry said.
The Federal Government urged calm in Benin and encouraged all actors to resolve political grievances through lawful, peaceful means.
“We urge all parties in the Republic of Benin to remain calm, uphold the rule of law, and pursue political discourse through constitutional and democratic channels,” the statement added.
Nigeria further assured Benin of its continued cooperation in efforts to safeguard peace and stability in West Africa.
The attempted takeover was announced earlier on state television by a group calling itself the “Military Committee for Refoundation”, which claimed to have removed President Patrice Talon from office. Talon’s office, however, insisted he remained safe and that loyal forces were regaining control.
The French Embassy reported gunfire near Camp Guezo, close to the president’s residence, and advised its nationals to remain indoors.
The incident comes amid a spate of recent coups across the region, including in Niger, Burkina Faso, Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau.
Talon, 67, has led Benin since 2016 and is expected to leave office in April at the end of his second and final term. ECOWAS has also condemned the attempted coup, pledging to take all necessary measures.
