The Economic Community of West African States, ECOWAS, and the Federal Government of Nigeria have condemned the attempted military takeover in the Republic of Benin, describing it as an unacceptable assault on democracy in the region.
In a statement issued on Sunday, ECOWAS said it received with consternation reports of an attempted military take over in the Republic of Benin.
The Commission strongly condemned the action, describing it as an unlawful attempt to undermine the choice and authority of the Beninese people.
ECOWAS urged full respect for the country’s constitution and commended the efforts of the Beninese Government and the Republican Army in bringing the situation under control.
It further warned that leaders of the plot would be held individually and collectively responsible for any loss to life and property occasioned by their action.
The regional bloc also pledged to support Benin in all forms necessary, including the deployment of the regional standby force, to defend the Constitution and the territorial integrity of Benin.
It reads in parts, “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.”
Similarly, the Nigerian Government condemned the attempted forcible seizure of power, describing it as a grave threat to democratic stability in West Africa.
In a statement signed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa,Nigeria expressed deep concern over the development and firmly condemned the attempted forceful takeover of power in the neighbouring Republic of Benin.
Nigeria said the act amounted to a direct assault on democracy, constitutional order, and the collective will of the Beninese people.
It also commended the swift response of Beninese authorities, noting that security forces acted with professionalism in defending the constitutional order and ensuring the safety of the President.
The statement added that unconstitutional changes of government were an unacceptable and retrogressive step that threatens the hard earned democratic gains and socio economic progress of our sub region.
Nigeria called on ECOWAS, the African Union and the international community to unite in condemning the act and reaffirming commitment to regional democratic protocols.
It also urged all parties in Benin to remain calm and follow constitutional channels.
The Federal Government reaffirmed its solidarity with Benin, assuring the country of full support and continued cooperation as we work together, as brothers and partners, to deepen democracy and ensure lasting peace and prosperity for our peoples and the entire West African region.
The statement in parts, “As a steadfast partner within the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the African Union, Nigeria calls on all member states and the international community to unite in condemning this act and in reaffirming our shared commitment to the African Union’s Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance, and the ECOWAS Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance.
“We urge all parties in the Republic of Benin to remain calm, uphold the rule of law, and continue to channel any political discourse through peaceful, constitutional, and democratic means.
“The Federal Government of Nigeria reassures the Government of the Republic of Benin of its full support and continued cooperation as we work together, as brothers and partners, to deepen democracy and ensure lasting peace and prosperity for our peoples and the entire West African region.”
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