The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has issued a strongly worded statement condemning the attempted military overthrow of President Patrice Talon in the Republic of Benin, describing the development as a grave assault on democracy and the will of the Beninese people.
In a statement released on 7 December 2025 from its headquarters in Abuja, the ECOWAS Commission said it received “with consternation” reports of soldiers attempting to seize power in Benin.
The statement came hours after a faction of the Beninese military—calling itself the Military Committee for Refoundation—announced on state television that it had removed President Talon from office and dissolved all state institutions.
ECOWAS, which has struggled in recent years to contain a rising tide of coups across West Africa, condemned the attempted takeover as an “unconstitutional move” and a direct subversion of the democratic mandate entrusted to the civilian government by the people of Benin.
The regional body called for the absolute respect of Benin’s constitution and applauded the efforts of the government and the Republican Army for working to restore control during the unfolding crisis.
In a significant warning to the coup plotters, ECOWAS stated that the military leaders behind the attempted takeover “both individually and collectively” would be held responsible for any loss of life or destruction of property arising from their actions.
This marks one of the toughest stances the bloc has taken since military juntas seized power in Mali, Guinea, Burkina Faso, and Niger between 2020 and 2023.
ECOWAS also indicated that it is prepared to provide “all necessary support” to Benin, including the deployment of its regional standby force—an option the bloc has discussed repeatedly in response to unconstitutional military seizures of power in the region.
While such interventions have been politically sensitive and logistically complex in the past, ECOWAS’s reference to military assistance underscores heightened urgency as yet another member state faces instability.
The attempted coup in Benin comes at a critical moment for West Africa, where democratic backsliding has become an increasingly worrying trend.
Once regarded as one of the region’s more stable democracies, Benin has faced growing political tensions in recent years, including accusations of shrinking civic space, restrictive electoral reforms, and strained relations between opposition groups and the Talon administration.
These tensions have fueled unrest that analysts say may have contributed to the current crisis.
