ECOWAS Deploys Troops to Benin After Coup Attempt

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Authority of Heads of State and Government has ordered the immediate deployment of its standby force to Benin.

The decision is in accordance with Article 25(e) of the 1999 Protocol Relating to the Mechanism for Conflict Prevention, Management, Resolution, Peacekeeping and Security, and was taken after consultation among members of the Mediation and Security Council.

The Regional Force shall be made up of troops from the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the Republic of Sierra Leone, the Republic of Cote d’Ivoire, and the Republic of Ghana.

“The Force shall support the Government and the Republican Army of Benin to preserve constitutional order and the territorial integrity of the Republic of Benin.”

The government of Benin on Sunday said it had foiled an attempted coup by members of the West African nation’s armed forces.

Earlier on Sunday, a group of soldiers made a broadcast in which they said they had ousted President Patrice Talon.

In a televised address later, Interior Minister Alassane Seidou said that a small group of soldiers launched a mutiny aimed at destabilising the state and its institutions.

However, he said that loyalist soldiers had been able to retain control of the situation and foil the attempt.

According to him, the Beninese armed forces and their leadership had decided to stay true to their oath and remained committed to the republic.

Story by Hajara Fuseini

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