The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has condemned an attempted military coup in the Benin Republic, calling it an “unconstitutional move” and a subversion of the people’s will. The coup, led by a group identifying as the Military Committee for Refoundation, briefly claimed to have removed President Patrice Talon and dissolved all state institutions. The presidency confirmed Talon is safe and that the regular army is regaining control.
ECOWAS praised Benin’s government and armed forces for restoring order and called for full respect of the constitution. “ECOWAS holds the leaders of the plot both individually and collectively responsible for any loss to life and property occasioned by their action,” the commission said. It added, “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.”