The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Commission has condemned an attempted coup in the Benin Republic, vowing to support the government in defending the country’s constitution and territorial integrity.
Gunfire was reported near President Patrice Talon’s residence on Sunday as armoured vehicles patrolled the presidential palace.
The group behind the coup, calling itself the Military Committee for Refoundation, claimed to have removed the president and all political officeholders and dissolved state institutions.
The Beninese presidency later confirmed that Talon was safe and that the regular army was regaining control.
In a statement issued hours after the incident, ECOWAS described the coup attempt as an “unconstitutional move” and a subversion of the will of the Beninese people. The commission commended the government and the republican army for quickly restoring order and called for full respect of Benin’s constitution.
“ECOWAS holds the leaders of the plot, both individually and collectively, responsible for any loss of life or property caused by their actions,” the statement read.
The regional bloc further warned that it would provide all necessary support to the Beninese government, including the possible deployment of the ECOWAS standby force, to defend the country’s constitutional order and sovereignty.
ECOWAS’ statement comes amid heightened concerns about coup attempts in West Africa.
In September 2024, Djimon Tevoedjre, commander of the Republican Guard and head of Talon’s security, was arrested following a previous coup attempt.