The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) on Sunday condemned an alleged attempt by soldiers in Benin Republic to remove President Patrice Talon from office.
The condemnation followed reports of confusion and gunfire in parts of Cotonou after a group of soldiers claiming to be the “Military Committee for Refoundation” announced on state television that they had removed the president.
In a statement issued in Abuja, ECOWAS said it received “with consternation” reports of an attempted military takeover, describing it as an unconstitutional act that undermines the will of the people.
It called for full respect of Benin’s Constitution and commended national security forces for efforts to restore calm.
The bloc warned that those behind the plot would be held individually and collectively responsible for any loss of life or property.
ECOWAS also signalled readiness to intervene if necessary, saying it would support the government and people of Benin “in all forms necessary, including the deployment of the regional standby force” to defend constitutional order and the country’s territorial integrity.
Earlier, Talon’s office dismissed the soldiers’ announcement, insisting the president was safe and that loyalist forces were regaining control.
The French embassy also reported disturbances near Camp Guezo in Cotonou and advised its nationals to remain indoors.
The incident adds to tensions in a region that has recorded several coups in recent years, including in Niger, Burkina Faso, Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau.
Benin, once regarded as one of West Africa’s most stable democracies, has experienced previous coups. Talon, 67, has governed since 2016 and is expected to leave office in April at the end of his second constitutionally allowed term.