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By Mary Onyia
The attempted coup in Benin Republic on Sunday morning, after some soldiers took over the radio station, declaring that they had overthrown President Patrice Talon, has continued to generate a chain of reactions from both local and international communities.
The Economic Community of West African States, ECOWAS, has condemned in very strong terms the attempt by some group of uninfluential soldiers to cease power forcefully in Benin Republic.In a statement it issued on Sunday in Abuja, ECOWAS expressed its dismay over the situation and demanded full restoration of the constitutional order of the Republic.Pledging to assist the Republic to ensure that its constitution and territorial integrity are preserved, the body warned: ” ECOWAS holds the leaders of the plot, individually and collectively responsible for any loss of lives and property arising from their action.”
Recall that some officers, appearing on national television under the banner of the Military Committee for Refoundation, CMR, had on Sunday, announced that they had convened and resolved that “Mr Patrice Talon be removed from office as President of the Republic.”
Following the news of the coup, the French Embassy posted an advisory on X, confirming reports of gunfire around Camp Guezo, located near Talon’s official residence, and promptly urged its French nationals in the country to remain indoors for their safety.
Initially, there were fears over the safety of the President, but reports later emerged that President Talon was safe, and security forces were restoring order.
In a brief statement from the presidency, it dismissed the soldiers’ declaration as the actions of a fringe group with limited influence.
“This is a small group of individuals who only managed to seize the television station. The regular army is steadily regaining control. Both the city and the entire country remain completely secure,” the statement said.
ECOWAS had commended the swift response of the Benin Republic government and the Republican army in the way and manner the situation was brought under control.
The attempted takeover comes on the heels of recent coups in Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau, and follows earlier military takeovers in neighbouring Niger and Burkina Faso.
President Talon has led the country for 10 years and is reportedly due to leave by April 2026.
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Coup In Benin Republic: ECOWAS, Others Condemn Coup Attempt
