ECOWAS has condemned and pledged support to Benin after the country’s government thwarted an attempted military coup led by Lieutenant-Colonel Tigri Pascal.
The Economic Community of West African States has condemned the attempted military takeover in the Republic of Benin, describing it as a threat to constitutional order. In a statement on Sunday, the commission said, “ECOWAS Commission has received with consternation reports of an attempted military takeover in the Republic of Benin,” calling the move a subversion of the people’s will. It commended the Beninese government and armed forces for bringing the situation under control.
ECOWAS pledged full support for Benin, including possible deployment of the regional standby force to protect the constitution and safeguard territorial integrity. “ECOWAS will support the government and the people in all forms necessary, including deployment of the regional standby force,” it said. Soldiers led by Lieutenant-Colonel Tigri Pascal had earlier announced a takeover, but the government later confirmed the attempt was foiled and normalcy restored.