Abuja / Cotonou — December 7, 2025 | Dalena Reporters
In response to the failed coup attempt in the Benin Republic early Sunday, ECOWAS has ordered the immediate deployment of its standby force to the country drawing troops from member states including Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Côte d'Ivoire and Ghana.
The regional bloc said the deployment authorized under Article 25(e) of its 1999 Protocol on Conflict Prevention and Peacekeeping aims to support Benin’s government and armed forces in preserving constitutional order and safeguarding territorial integrity.
ECOWAS condemned the mutiny carried out by a group of soldiers who briefly claimed to dissolve the government and seize power as an “unconstitutional move that subverts the will of the people.” The bloc called on all parties to respect democratic processes and warned that plotters would be held accountable for any loss of life or property.
According to regional and international media, the deployment includes air and ground units, with warplanes and armoured vehicles mobilised to help stabilize key zones in Cotonou and Porto-Novo.
As of this writing, Benin’s security forces have reportedly regained control of major government installations, and the country remains under heightened security while ECOWAS and Benin authorities monitor for potential residual threats.