Coup: ‘We stand in solidarity with Benin’ – FG

The Federal Government has assured the Republic of Benin of Nigeria’s support following Sunday’s attempted coup, pledging solidarity with the West African nation and commending its security forces for swiftly regaining control.

In a statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson, Kimiebi Ebienfa, said Nigeria viewed the incident as a direct threat to democracy and regional stability.

“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 legitimate institutions and preserve peace,” the statement read.

The FG warned that any unconstitutional seizure of power undermines democratic progress and urged all parties in Benin to resolve political disagreements through lawful and peaceful channels.

“We call on all member states and the international community to reaffirm their commitment to the AU Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance, and the ECOWAS Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance,” the statement added.

The attempted coup was announced earlier by a group calling itself the Military Committee for Refoundation, which claimed that President Patrice Talon had been removed from office. Talon’s office, however, insisted he remained safe and that loyal forces were restoring order. The French embassy reported gunfire near Camp Guezo, close to the president’s residence, and advised its nationals to stay indoors.

Sunday’s incident comes amid a recent wave of coups across West Africa, including in Niger, Burkina Faso, Madagascar, and Guinea-Bissau. President Talon, 67, has governed Benin since 2016 and is scheduled to step down in April at the conclusion of his second term.

ECOWAS has also condemned the attempt, pledging to take necessary measures to protect democratic governance in the region.