The United Nations, European Union, African Union and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) have all strongly condemned what has been described as an attempted coup in the Republic of Benin, warning that any effort to overthrow a democratically elected government poses a serious threat to constitutional rule and regional stability.
The situation drew international attention after a small group of soldiers reportedly appeared on national television claiming that they had removed President Patrice Talon from power. During the broadcast, they announced the dissolution of the government and the formation of a military-led transitional authority, naming Lieutenant Colonel Pascal Tigri as the leader of a new governing committee. The announcement quickly sparked confusion and concern both inside and outside the country.
However, Beninese government officials moved swiftly to dispel the claims. Interior Minister Alassane Seidou stated that the incident involved only a limited number of soldiers and insisted that the coup attempt had been thwarted. He reassured citizens that loyal security forces remained in control of key institutions throughout the country, including government buildings, broadcast stations and military installations. According to his statement, order had been restored within a short period of time.
Later in the day, President Talon himself addressed the nation, declaring that the situation was “totally under control.” He thanked members of the armed forces and security services who remained loyal to the constitution for their rapid response. The president also vowed that those responsible for the attempted seizure of power would be identified and held accountable under the law.
From the international community, reactions were swift and decisive. Leonardo Santos Simao, the United Nations Special Representative for West Africa and the Sahel, said he was following developments in Benin with “deep concern.” In a statement issued on behalf of the United Nations Office for West Africa and the Sahel (UNOWAS), Simao praised the Beninese authorities for their quick action and reaffirmed the UN’s support for the country’s constitutional order.
“The United Nations stands in full solidarity with the people and government of Benin,” Simao said. “Any attempt to disrupt democratic governance and stability must be rejected, and efforts must continue to ensure the protection of civilians and the preservation of democratic institutions.”
The European Union also publicly criticized the alleged coup attempt. EU spokesperson Anita Hipper stressed that respect for the rule of law, democratic governance and constitutional processes is essential for peace and development. Writing on social media, she noted that the EU fully supports Benin’s legitimate authorities and called on all actors to act responsibly and refrain from any further destabilising actions.
Other regional bodies echoed similar sentiments. The African Union’s Commission Chair, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, reminded military personnel in Benin of the continental body’s “zero tolerance” policy for unconstitutional changes of government. He urged all soldiers involved in the plot to immediately cease any illegal activity and return to their barracks. He also emphasised that Africa’s stability depends on its nations respecting the will of the people expressed through democratic elections.
ECOWAS, the powerful regional bloc for West African states, described the attempted power grab as a direct assault on democracy and an unacceptable setback for the region. In a strongly worded statement, ECOWAS praised the Beninese authorities for re-establishing order and warned that the organisation was prepared to support Benin “in all forms necessary” to preserve constitutional governance. This could include diplomatic, political or even security measures, such as the use of a regional standby force, if required.
The attempted unrest in Benin comes at a particularly sensitive time for West Africa. Over the past few years, the region has experienced a series of coups and attempted coups in several countries, raising fears of democratic backsliding. The international community has expressed growing concern that these developments could undermine decades of progress toward democratic institutions, stability and development.
Adding to those concerns, the incident in Benin reportedly occurred only days after a separate and successful military takeover in Guinea-Bissau. While the two events have not been officially linked, the timing has raised fresh alarms among political analysts and regional leaders about the possibility of a new wave of military interference in governance across West Africa.
Security analysts point out that even an unsuccessful coup attempt can have lasting effects. It may weaken public confidence in state institutions, discourage foreign investment and contribute to political tension. For this reason, international organisations have stressed the importance of thorough investigations, transparent legal processes and reforms that strengthen civil-military relations.
In Benin, normal activities were gradually resuming following the incident, although a heightened security presence remained visible in parts of the capital as a precautionary measure. Citizens were urged to remain calm and to rely on official sources of information rather than unverified reports circulating online.
As the country moves forward, observers say the focus will likely turn to ensuring accountability for those involved in the alleged plot, reinforcing loyalty within the armed forces and addressing any underlying grievances that could have contributed to the unrest. For now, however, Benin’s constitutional government remains in place, backed by strong domestic assurances and broad international support.
Source:Africa Publicity
