The Nigerian government has condemned the attempted coup in Benin Republic.
On Sunday, gunshots were heard near President Patrice Talon’s residence as armoured vehicles deployed in the presidential palace patrolled the precinct.
The group, which labelled itself the Military Committee for Refoundation, said the president and all political officeholders have been effectively removed, and that all institutions have been dissolved.
The presidency subsequently announced that Talon was safe and the “regular” army had regained control.
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In a statement on Sunday by Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, spokesperson for the ministry of foreign affairs, the federal government said it received with “grave concern” reports of the incident.
Nigeria praised the Beninese authorities for swiftly moving to safeguard the country’s democratic institutions.
The government said the failed attempt amounted to “a direct assault on democracy, constitutional order, and the collective will of the Beninese people, who have consistently demonstrated their commitment to peaceful political transitions”.
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Nigeria also commended the professionalism of the Beninese security forces, noting that their actions were crucial in “defending the constitutional order and guaranteeing the safety of the President”.
The ministry said the forces’ prompt response ensured that the bid to subvert democracy “was decisively repelled”.
“Nigeria reiterates its strong commitment to the principles of democracy, good governance, and the rule of law as fundamental pillars for peace, development and regional stability,” the statement reads.
“Unconstitutional changes of government are an unacceptable and retrogressive step that threatens the hard-earned democratic gains and socio-economic progress of our sub-region,” the statement reads.
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“As a steadfast partner within the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the African Union, Nigeria calls on all member states and the international community to unite in condemning this act and in reaffirming our shared commitment to the African Union’s Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance, and the ECOWAS Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance.”
The federal government assured Benin of “full support and continued cooperation” in efforts to strengthen democracy and promote peace and prosperity across the West African region.
