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The Federal Government has condemned Sunday’s attempted coup in the Republic of Benin, describing it as a direct assault on democracy and the collective will of the Beninese people.
In a statement by the spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa, Nigeria expressed concern over the incident and reaffirmed its solidarity with the neighbouring country.
“Nigeria stands in firm solidarity with the Government and people of the Republic of Benin, and applauds the swift action taken by Beninese authorities to protect its legitimate institutions and preserve the peace,” the statement read.
The ministry commended the Beninese security forces for repelling the attempt.
“We commend the courage and professionalism of the Beninese security forces in defending the constitutional order and guaranteeing the safety of the President,” it added.
Nigeria warned that unconstitutional changes of government pose a threat to regional stability and undermine democratic gains.
As a member of ECOWAS and the African Union, Nigeria urged other member states and international partners to condemn the development.
“We call on all member states and the international community to unite in condemning this act and reaffirming our shared commitment to the AU Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance, and the ECOWAS Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance,” it said.
The Federal Government of Nigeria also appealed for calm in Benin and called for political grievances to be resolved through lawful means.
“We urge all parties in the Republic of Benin to remain calm, uphold the rule of law, and continue to channel any political discourse through peaceful, constitutional and democratic means,” it stated.
The statement further assured Benin of Nigeria’s continued cooperation in promoting peace and stability in West Africa.
The attempted takeover was announced earlier on state television by a group identifying itself as the “Military Committee for Refoundation”, which declared President Patrice Talon removed from office. However, Talon’s office insisted he remained secure and that loyal forces were restoring order.
The French embassy reported gunfire near Camp Guezo, close to the president’s residence, urging its nationals to stay indoors.
The incident comes amid a wave of recent coups in the region, including in Niger, Burkina Faso, Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau.
Talon, 67, has governed since 2016 and is due to leave office in April at the end of his second and final term.
ECOWAS has also condemned the attempted coup, pledging readiness to take necessary measures.
