The Economic Community of West African States has sharply criticised what it described as an attempted military overthrow in Benin Republic, following reports of unrest and sporadic gunfire in parts of Cotonou on Sunday.
In a statement released in Abuja, the regional body expressed dismay over the development, noting that it had received “with consternation” news of an “attempted military takeover” in the country. ECOWAS described the move as a clear violation of Benin’s democratic order and a threat to regional stability.
The commission called for strict adherence to the constitution and commended Benin’s security forces for steps taken to stabilise the situation. It warned that those behind the plot would be held responsible for any casualties or destruction.
Earlier in the day, a group of soldiers identifying themselves as the “Military Committee for Refoundation” appeared on state television, announcing that President Patrice Talon had been removed from office. The declaration fuelled tension across Cotonou, with the French embassy reporting gunfire near Camp Guezo, close to the president’s residence, and advising its nationals to stay indoors.
Despite the claims by the soldiers, officials close to President Talon dismissed the announcement, insisting that he remained safe and that loyalist forces were reclaiming control.
The incident comes at a time of heightened political uncertainty in West Africa, a region that has witnessed a spate of coups in recent years, including in Niger, Burkina Faso, Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau. Though Benin has long been regarded as one of the region’s more stable democracies, it has experienced several coups and attempted coups in past decades.
President Talon, 67, a former businessman widely referred to as the “cotton king,” has been in office since 2016 and is expected to leave office in April at the end of his second term.
