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The ECOWAS Commission has ordered the deployment of elements of the ECOWAS standby force to the Republic of Benin following consultations at the level of heads of state and government.
The commission said the decision was taken in line with relevant ECOWAS instruments, particularly Article 25(e) of the 1999 protocol on conflict prevention, management, resolution, peacekeeping and security.
In a statement issued in Abuja on Sunday, the commission said the decision followed consultations of the mediation and security council.
“The chair of ECOWAS authority of heads of state and government has ordered the deployment of elements of the ECOWAS standby force to the Republic of Benin with immediate effect,” the statement reads.
It added that the regional force would be made up of troops from Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana.
“The force shall support the government and the republican army of Benin to preserve constitutional order and the territorial integrity of the Republic of Benin,” the commission said.
On Sunday morning, there was a coup attempt in Benin Republic as gunshots were heard near President Patrice Talon’s residence while armoured vehicles deployed in the presidential palace patrolled the precinct.
The group, which labelled itself the Military Committee for Refoundation, said the president and all political officeholders have been effectively removed, and that all institutions have been dissolved.
The presidency subsequently announced that Talon was safe and the “regular” army had regained control.
