ECOWAS Condemns Apparent Coup Attempt in Benin Republic

By Emmanuel Kwada 

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has issued a strong condemnation of an apparent military takeover attempt in the Republic of Benin, as reported earlier today.

The regional bloc’s statement, released on Sunday, December 7, 2025, calls for the immediate restoration of constitutional order and urges all parties to respect the will of the Beninese people.

According to the ECOWAS statement, the organization has received confirmation of an attempted military takeover in Benin. The statement emphasizes ECOWAS’s full support for the constitutional government and its efforts to bring the situation under control.

The regional body has warned that those responsible for the coup attempt will be held accountable, including for any loss of life or property, and has called for a collective response to safeguard the region’s stability and democratic integrity.

The apparent coup unfolded earlier today when a group of soldiers, identifying themselves as the “Military Committee for Refoundation” (CMR), seized state television to announce they had taken control of the government.

Led by Lieutenant Colonel Tigri Pascal, the faction claimed to have detained President Patrice Talon and other senior officials, suspending the constitution and promising a “new era” focused on addressing corruption and economic mismanagement.

However, President Talon’s office has refuted these claims, asserting that the president is safe and that loyalist forces are gradually regaining control of the situation.

Reports from Cotonou, Benin’s economic capital, indicate a heightened security presence around the presidency, with movement restricted in central areas.

Gunshots were heard near Camp Guezo, close to the president’s residence, prompting panic among residents. The French Embassy in Benin has urged its citizens to stay indoors as a safety precaution until the situation is clarified.

International reactions have been swift. The African Union, United Nations, United States, and European Union have joined ECOWAS in condemning the takeover attempt, with calls for the restoration of constitutional governance.

ECOWAS has hinted at potential sanctions, including the possible suspension of Benin from the bloc if the military does not step down within seven days, a measure previously applied to other member states like Mali, Guinea, Burkina Faso, and Niger following similar coups.

The attempted coup has raised concerns about regional stability, with border patrols along Benin’s frontiers with Togo and Niger reinforced to prevent spill-over effects.

ECOWAS has called on all stakeholders, including the military and civil society, to work collaboratively to resolve the crisis peacefully.