By Ayomide Otitoju
The Nigerian government on Sunday condemned the attempted forcible seizure of power in neighbouring Benin Republic, describing it as “an outright attack on democracy and constitutional governance.”
Gunfire was reported near President Patrice Talon’s residence as armoured vehicles from the presidential guard patrolled key areas amid the coup attempt. A group calling itself the Military Committee for Refoundation had announced the removal of Talon and all elected officials, claiming the dissolution of state institutions.
In response, the Beninese presidency confirmed that President Talon remained safe and that loyalist forces had regained control.
In a statement issued by Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, spokesperson for Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Federal Government expressed being “deeply troubled” by the events, commending Beninese authorities for their swift action to protect democratic structures and restore order.
“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 its legitimate institutions and preserve the peace,” the statement read. It also lauded the courage and professionalism of Benin’s security forces in safeguarding the president and repelling the attempted coup.
The statement underscored Nigeria’s commitment to democracy, good governance, and the rule of law as essential for regional stability, warning that unconstitutional changes of government threaten the sub-region’s democratic gains and socio-economic progress.
As a member of ECOWAS and the African Union, Nigeria called on the international community to condemn the attempted coup and reaffirm adherence to the African Union Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance and the ECOWAS Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance.
Nigeria urged all stakeholders in Benin to exercise restraint, respect legal processes, and resolve political differences through peaceful and constitutional means, while pledging continued cooperation to strengthen democratic governance and promote stability in West Africa.
