Nigeria Condemns Failed Coup Attempt in Benin Republic, Reaffirms Commitment to Regional Democracy

The Nigerian government has strongly condemned the attempted forcible seizure of power in the neighbouring Benin Republic on Sunday, describing it as a grave assault on democracy and the constitutional order of the West African nation.

Tension gripped Cotonou after gunfire erupted near the residence of President Patrice Talon, prompting heightened security as armoured vehicles from the presidential guard swept through the area. A group identifying itself as the Military Committee for Refoundation announced that President Talon had been removed from office and that all state institutions had been dissolved.

However, the Beninese presidency swiftly countered the claim, confirming that President Talon was safe and that loyal security forces had fully restored control. Reports later indicated that several individuals linked to the attempted takeover had been arrested.

In a statement issued by Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, spokesperson for Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Federal Government expressed deep concern over the incident, praising the swift and decisive response of the Beninese authorities.

Nigeria called the failed coup “an outright attack on democracy and constitutional governance,” stressing that it undermined the collective will of the Beninese people, who have consistently demonstrated their commitment to peaceful political processes.

“This act of destabilisation represents a direct assault on democracy, constitutional order, and the collective will of the Beninese people,” the statement read. “Nigeria stands in firm solidarity with the Government and people of the Republic of Benin, and applauds the swift action taken to protect its legitimate institutions.”

The Federal Government also commended the professionalism of Benin’s security forces for defending the constitutional order and safeguarding President Talon, noting that their courage ensured “the unfortunate attempt to subvert democracy was decisively repelled.”

Reaffirming its long-standing commitment to democratic principles, good governance, and the rule of law, Nigeria described unconstitutional changes of government as “unacceptable and retrogressive,” warning that they threaten democratic gains and regional stability.

As a leading member of ECOWAS and the African Union, Nigeria urged all states in the region and the broader international community to unite in condemning the attempted coup, while upholding the AU Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance, as well as the ECOWAS Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance.

The statement also called on political stakeholders in Benin to exercise restraint and resolve disagreements through legal, peaceful, and constitutional means.

Nigeria reaffirmed its solidarity with the Beninese people and pledged continued cooperation in strengthening democratic governance and promoting stability, peace, and prosperity across both nations and the wider West African sub-region.