ECOWAS announced the immediate deployment of troops drawn from Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Côte d’Ivoire, and Ghana to support Benin’s government and republic army in preserving constitutional order and Benin’s territorial integrity.

The regional body confirmed the forces’ deployment to Benin, signaling a collective commitment to stability and a quick response to the crisis.

ECOWAS Heads of State authorized the deployment with immediate effect after consultations within the Mediation and Security Council, grounded in regional instruments aimed at conflict prevention and peacekeeping.

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President Patrice Talon, addressing the nation on television, said the situation was under control, urged citizens to carry on with daily activities, and pledged accountability for the attempted coup.

The Nigerian Air Force conducted operations in Benin on December 7 as part of ECOWAS protocol, with targeting details not disclosed.

The deployment followed consultations within the Mediation and Security Council and aligns with ECOWAS instruments, including Article 25(e) of the 1999 Protocol on Conflict Prevention and Peacekeeping.

ECOWAS ordered the deployment of the regional Standby Force to the Republic of Benin after the failed coup attempt.

An attempted coup in Benin triggered regional intervention and Nigerian airstrikes on Benin targets, with details provided by AFP and Benin authorities.

Some Benin military elements announced they had seized control of the government, led by Lt Col Pascal Tigri, expressing dissatisfaction with Talon’s handling of security and governance.

Loyalist forces rapidly moved to restore order and quell the uprising.