Nigeria has condemned Sunday’s attempted coup in the Republic of Benin, urging all parties to remain calm and committed to constitutional order.
In a statement by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, spokesperson Kimiebi Ebienfa said Nigeria stands firmly with the Beninese government following the failed power grab.
“Nigeria stands in firm solidarity with the Government and people of the Republic of Benin and applauds the swift action taken by Beninese authorities to protect legitimate institutions and preserve peace,” the ministry said.
Foreign Affairs Minister Yusuf Tuggar also commended the professionalism of Benin’s security forces, who moved quickly to secure President Patrice Talon and repel the attempted takeover.
“We commend the courage and professionalism of the Beninese security forces in defending the constitutional order and guaranteeing the safety of the President,” the statement added.
Nigeria warned that unconstitutional changes of government threaten democratic progress across West Africa, calling on ECOWAS, the African Union, and the international community to collectively condemn the act.
“We call on all member states to reaffirm their commitment to the AU Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance, as well as the ECOWAS Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance,” the ministry said.
The coup attempt was earlier announced on state television by a group calling itself the Military Committee for Refoundation, which claimed to have removed President Talon from office. The presidency, however, later confirmed that Talon was safe and loyal forces were restoring order. Reports from Cotonou indicated gunfire near Camp Guezo, close to the presidential residence, while soldiers briefly blocked access to key government sites.
The incident adds to the growing list of coups and attempted takeovers in the region, including recent events in Niger, Burkina Faso, Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau. President Talon, 67, has led Benin since 2016 and is expected to complete his second term in April 2026.
Nigeria reiterated its readiness to continue partnering with Benin to safeguard peace and stability across West Africa.
“We urge all parties in the Republic of Benin to remain calm, uphold the rule of law, and pursue political dialogue through peaceful, constitutional and democratic means,” the statement concluded.
