ECOWAS has strongly condemned the attempted military takeover in Benin, expressing deep concern over the development and urging full respect for the country’s Constitution.
The regional bloc issued a statement on Sunday after soldiers appeared on state television claiming to have ousted President Patrice Talon.
Despite the announcement, officials close to the president confirmed that he was safe and that loyal forces were regaining control of the situation.
ECOWAS said it was “dismayed” by the events and commended the efforts of the Beninese government and the Republican Army in swiftly containing the unrest.
The bloc warned that it holds the plotters individually and collectively responsible for any loss of life or property.
The group calling itself the Military Committee for Refoundation (CMR) had declared Talon removed from office, marking yet another attempted power grab in a region that has recently witnessed coups in Madagascar, Guinea-Bissau, Niger, and Burkina Faso.
The French Embassy reported gunfire near Camp Guezo, close to the president’s official residence, advising French nationals to remain indoors for safety.
Talon’s office described the incident as the actions of a small faction that temporarily gained access to the state broadcaster, insisting that the army was regaining control and that the country remained secure.
