ECOWAS deploys standby force in Benin

)The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has deployed its regional standby force to defend Benin Republic.

The regional bloc announced this in a statement on Sunday night.

After some soldiers announced that they had taken over the democratic government of President Patrice Talon, ECOWAS had said it would deploy the force if necessary.

But in a statement issued by the commission on Sunday night, it said troops from Nigeria, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Cote Divoire, and Republic of Ghana would move into Benin to help restore order.

“Further to its earlier statement on the Republic of Benin, the ECOWAS Commission hereby informs the general public that:

“1. Pursuant to the provisions of relevant ECOWAS instruments, in particular Article 25(e) of the 1999 Protocol Relating to the Mechanism for Conflict Prevention, Management, Resolution Peacekeeping and Security, and

“2. after consultation among members of the Mediation and Security Council at the level of Heads of State and Government,

“a. The Chair of ECOWAS Authority of Heads of state and Government has ordered the deployment of elements of the ECOWAS Standby Force to the Republic of Benin with immediate effect.

“b. The Regional Force shall be made up of troops from the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Cote Divoire, and Republic of Ghana.

“c. 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.”

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