Abuja, Nigeria (PANA) - The Chairperspn of ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government Sierra Leone president Julius Maada Bio, on Sunday ordered the immediate deployment of the subregion's standby force to Benin following the announcement of a coup by soldiers on Sunday morning.
A statement by ECOWAS said this follows consultations among members of the ECOWAS Mediation and Security Council at the level of Heads of State and Government.
The decision is grounded in Article 25(e) of the 1999 Protocol on Conflict Prevention, Management, Resolution, Peacekeeping, and Security, it said.
According to the directive, the regional force will consist of troops drawn from Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Côte d’Ivoire, and Ghana.
ECOWAS noted that the deployed units will work in support of the Government and the Republican Army of Benin “to maintain stability and protect constitutional governance as the country faces heightened political and security tensions”.
The statement did not disclose the exact size of the force or operational timelines
The move reinforces ECOWAS’ long-standing commitment to regional peace and stability, particularly in responding swiftly to threats against democratic governance in any of its member states.
The coup had been condemned by the AU and ECOWAS.
President Patrice Talon has announced that loyal soldiers have foiled the coup attempt.
-0- PANA MA 7Dec2025
