ECOWAS, Nigeria, AU condemn failed coup attempt in Benin

Hunt for Benin coup plotter widens after failed takeover

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), the Nigerian Government and the African Union (AU) have issued strong condemnations of Sunday’s attempted coup in the Republic of Benin, after loyal troops reportedly foiled a mutiny aimed at toppling President Patrice Talon.

There was tension in Cotonou in the early hours of December 7, 2025, when a group of soldiers identified themselves as the Military Committee for Refoundation appeared on state television to announce the removal of Talon, the closure of borders and suspension of political parties.

According to reports, sporadic gunfire was heard in parts of the capital, prompting several diplomatic missions, including the French, Russian and United States embassies to advise their citizens to stay indoors and adopt heightened security precautions.

But the situation swiftly turned in favour of the government as Alassane Seidou, Benin’s Interior Minister, later announced that the uprising had been contained.

He described the incident as a mutiny orchestrated by a “small group of soldiers” intent on destabilising the country and its institutions.

“Faced with this situation, the Beninese Armed Forces and their leadership maintained control of the situation and foiled the attempt,” Seidou said, assuring citizens and the international community that the government remained firmly in charge.

Reacting in a strongly worded statement, ECOWAS said it received with “consternation” the reports of a military takeover attempt in Benin, stressing that those behind the plot would be held individually and collectively responsible for any loss of life or property.

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

It further called for full respect for the country’s constitution and applauded the “efforts of the Government and the Republican Army in bringing the situation under control.”

The regional bloc declared readiness to support Benin “in all forms necessary, including the deployment of the regional standby force to defend the constitution and the territorial integrity of Benin.”

The failed putsch comes barely a year before Benin heads to the polls in 2026, when Talon is expected to step down at the end of his second term, the maximum allowed by the constitution.

Nigeria’s Government also condemned the attempted coup, describing it as a grave act of destabilisation and a threat to democratic order in the sub-region.

In a statement issued by Kimiebi Ebienfa, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, spokesperson said Abuja received “with grave concern” the reports from Cotonou and “unequivocally condemns in the strongest possible terms the attempted forcible seizure of power in our friendly neighbour and brotherly nation.”

“This act of destabilization represents a direct assault on democracy, constitutional order, and the collective will of the Beninese people,” the statement read.

Nigeria commended the “courage and professionalism” of Benin’s security forces for protecting Talon and preserving the country’s institutions.

It reaffirmed its commitment to democracy, good governance and regional stability, stressing that unconstitutional changes of government were unacceptable setbacks for West Africa.

The statement urged all political actors in Benin to remain calm and resolve differences through peaceful and constitutional means, while assuring Cotonou of Nigeria’s continued support.

On its part, the African Union also waded in, with Mahmoud Ali Yousouf, AU Commission Chairperson, issuing a sweeping condemnation of the coup attempt and warning that any military interference in political processes constitutes “a grave violation” of the AU’s fundamental principles.

He referenced several AU normative frameworks, including the Constitutive Act, the Lomé Declaration, the African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance and the Ezulwini Framework, which collectively reject unconstitutional changes of government.

Read also: Benin thwarts military takeover after soldiers declare President Talon ousted

Yousouf expressed concern over the “troubling proliferation” of coups and coup attempts across the continent, cautioning that such actions undermine democratic gains, weaken state authority and erode citizens’ trust in public institutions.

He called on the soldiers involved in the Benin mutiny to immediately stand down and return to their barracks.

Reiterating the AU’s zero-tolerance policy on unconstitutional government changes, he affirmed the continental body’s support for Talon, the legitimate authorities of Benin and the Beninese people.

Sunday’s failed coup is the latest in a string of military interventions and attempts recorded across West Africa and the Sahel in recent years, prompting fears of democratic backsliding and increasing regional insecurity.

Both ECOWAS and the AU say they remain committed to assisting Benin in restoring full stability and preserving its democratic institutions as the country prepares for its 2026 transition.

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