ECOWAS Condemns Attempted Coup in Benin, Pledges Support to Gov’t

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has condemned an attempted military takeover in the Republic of Benin, describing the move as a “subversion of the will of the people.”

Daily Trust had reported how a group of soldiers in a broadcast on national television on Sunday claimed to have removed the president from power, dissolved state institutions and taken control of the country.

But appearing on national TV, Benin’s Interior Minister announced that an attempted coup in the West Africa nation has been thwarted.

The presidency also downplayed the mutineers’ claims, describing them as “a small group of individuals who only control the television station”.

It added that the “regular army is regaining control” and insisted that “the city and the country are completely secure”.

In a statement on Sunday, the ECOWAS Commission urged full respect for Benin’s Constitution and commended the government and the Republican Army for efforts to stabilise the situation.

The regional body warned that the leaders of the attempted coup would be held responsible for any loss of life or property arising from their actions.

“ECOWAS strongly condemns this unconstitutional move that represents a subversion of the will of the people of Benin.

“ECOWAS calls for the full respect of the Constitution of Benin and salutes the efforts of the Government and the Republican Army in bringing the situation under control.

“ECOWAS holds the leaders of the plot both individually and collectively responsible for any loss to life and property occasioned by their action.”

It also pledged support to the government and citizens of Benin, including the potential deployment of the regional standby force, to defend the nation’s Constitution and territorial integrity.

“ECOWAS will support the Government and the people in all forms necessary, including the deployment of the regional standby force, to defend the Constitution and the territorial integrity of Benin.” it added.

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