The Federal Government of Nigeria has condemned the attempted coup in the Republic of Benin on Sunday, calling it a direct attack on democracy and the will of the Beninese people.
In a statement released by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson, Kimiebi Ebienfa, Nigeria expressed deep concern over the incident and reaffirmed its solidarity with the neighbouring nation.
“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 also praised the Beninese security forces for their response. “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 any unconstitutional attempt to change government threatens regional stability and undermines democratic progress.
As a member of both ECOWAS and the African Union, Nigeria urged other countries and international partners to denounce the coup attempt. “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,” the statement said.
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The government also appealed for calm in Benin, encouraging political disputes to be settled 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 said, while assuring continued cooperation in promoting peace and stability in West Africa.
The attempted coup was announced on state television by a group calling itself the “Military Committee for Refoundation,” claiming that President Patrice Talon had been removed from office. However, Talon’s office confirmed that he was safe and that loyal security forces were restoring order.
The French embassy reported gunfire near Camp Guezo, close to the president’s residence, and advised nationals to stay indoors.
The incident follows a series of coups in the region, including in Niger, Burkina Faso, Madagascar, and Guinea-Bissau. Talon, 67, has been in office since 2016 and is set to leave in April at the end of his second and final term.
ECOWAS has also condemned the attempted coup, pledging readiness to take any necessary action.