In a swift regional response to an attempted military coup in Benin, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has authorized the immediate deployment of its Standby Force to support stability in the West African nation. The move comes hours after Benin’s government declared the coup attempt foiled, with loyalist forces regaining control of key institutions.
A source within the Nigerian presidency told Agence France-Presse (AFP) that the Nigerian Air Force carried out precision strikes on targets inside Benin in coordination with Beninese authorities to neutralize fleeing coup plotters. Air Force spokesman Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame confirmed the operations, saying they were executed “in line with ECOWAS protocols and the ECOWAS Standby Force mandate.” Details of the specific targets remain undisclosed, though reports suggest insurgent positions near the border were targeted.
The ECOWAS Commission issued a statement on Sunday afternoon, invoking Article 25(e) of the 1999 Protocol Relating to the Mechanism for Conflict Prevention, Management, Resolution, Peacekeeping, and Security. Following consultations among member states’ Heads of State and Government, the deployment was approved to include troops from Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Côte d’Ivoire, and Ghana. The regional force’s mandate is to support Benin’s Republican Army in preserving constitutional order, territorial integrity, and democratic governance, while preventing further escalation.
ECOWAS Chair and Nigerian President Bola Tinubu emphasized the bloc’s commitment to regional security, warning that coup leaders would be held accountable for any disruptions. This intervention represents a rare proactive deployment of the Standby Force, in contrast to ECOWAS’s more reactive approach in recent coups across Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger.
Timeline of Events
Early Morning, December 7: A faction of Beninese soldiers stormed the national television station in Cotonou, declaring the removal of President Patrice Talon and the dissolution of state institutions.
Midday: Interior Minister Alassane Seidou announced the coup had been foiled, with loyalist troops securing government buildings and arresting plotters.
Afternoon: President Talon addressed the nation on Benin TV, assuring citizens that the situation was under control and urging normalcy: “The situation is completely under control… Security and public order will be maintained throughout the national territory.”
Evening: Nigerian airstrikes were reported, and ECOWAS released a statement ordering the deployment of the Standby Force.
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