ECOWAS pledges military aid as Army foils coup in Benin Republic 

Ebun Emmanuel — December 7, 2025

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has pledged support for President Patrice Talon’s government, indicating readiness to deploy the ECOWAS Standby Force if necessary to defend the Constitution the Benin Republic and territorial integrity of the country.

The reaction comes after mutineers briefly seized Benin’s national TV station in Cotonou on Sunday, announcing the overthrow of President Talon’s government, before being surrounded by loyal forces. The situation is currently under control, with President Talon reported safe.

ECOWAS strongly condemned the attempted military coup in the Republic, expressing concern over the unconstitutional move.

In a statement issued on Sunday, the ECOWAS Commission denounced the subversion of the will of the Benin people and called for full respect of the country’s Constitution.

“ECOWAS salutes the efforts of the Government and the Republican Army in bringing the situation under control,” the commission said, holding the coup plotters “individually and collectively responsible for any loss of life and property resulting from their action.”

“ECOWAS will support the Government and the people in all forms necessary,” the statement read.

Interior Minister Alassane Seidou confirmed that the armed forces had foiled the coup attempt, while Foreign Minister Olushegun Adjadi Bakari assured that the situation is under control, with a “large part of the army still loyalist”.