The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has strongly condemned reports of an attempted military takeover in the Republic of Benin, describing the move as unconstitutional and a direct attack on the democratic will of the Beninese people.
In a statement issued on Sunday from Abuja, the ECOWAS Commission said it had received the reports with consternation, warning that any attempt to seize power through force poses a serious threat not only to Benin’s constitutional order but also to peace and stability across the West African region.
The regional bloc said it rejects any form of unconstitutional change of government and reaffirmed its long-standing zero-tolerance stance against military coups and political subversion. ECOWAS stressed that such actions undermine democratic institutions, weaken public trust and threaten years of progress toward democratic governance in West Africa.
“ECOWAS strongly condemns this unconstitutional move that represents a subversion of the will of the people of Benin,” the statement read.
The Commission called for the full respect of Benin’s Constitution and the rule of law, while commending the efforts of the government and the Republican Army for restoring calm and bringing the situation under control. It did not provide details on the scale of the incident or the identities of those allegedly involved, but underscored that constitutional authority must always prevail.
ECOWAS further warned that the leaders of the alleged plot would be held accountable both individually and collectively for any loss of life or destruction of property resulting from their actions. According to the bloc, accountability is a key deterrent against repeated attempts to destabilize democratic governments in the region.
“The leaders of the plot shall bear full responsibility for the consequences of their actions,” the Commission said, adding that impunity for unconstitutional acts would not be tolerated.
In one of its strongest warnings, ECOWAS stated that it stands ready to support the government and people of Benin in all forms necessary, including, if required, the deployment of the ECOWAS regional standby force to defend the country’s Constitution and territorial integrity. Such a move would mark a significant escalation, underscoring the seriousness with which the bloc views the reported incident.
The ECOWAS Standby Force is a regional security mechanism designed to respond to crises such as coups, armed conflicts and threats to constitutional order. Its potential deployment signals the bloc’s determination to prevent a further spread of military takeovers, which have plagued parts of West Africa in recent years.
Over the last decade, ECOWAS has grappled with a wave of coups in the region, including in Mali, Burkina Faso, Guinea and Niger. In each case, the bloc has imposed sanctions, suspended membership and engaged in diplomatic and, at times, security interventions to restore constitutional rule. The latest developments in Benin have therefore raised concerns that the region could face renewed instability if decisive action is not taken.
Benin has long been considered one of West Africa’s relatively stable democracies, having experienced peaceful transfers of power since the 1990s. The reported attempted takeover has therefore alarmed observers, who fear it could signal a troubling shift in the country’s political landscape if not swiftly addressed.
ECOWAS emphasized that safeguarding democracy in Benin is not only a national matter but also a regional responsibility. The bloc said instability in one member state often has spillover effects, including insecurity, displacement and economic disruption across borders.
The Commission reaffirmed its commitment to working closely with Beninese authorities, regional partners and international stakeholders to ensure that peace and constitutional order are maintained. It also urged all political and security actors in Benin to exercise restraint, professionalism and loyalty to the Constitution.
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