By Ghazali Ibrahim
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has issued a strong condemnation of the attempted military takeover in the Republic of Benin, describing it as an unconstitutional move that undermines the will of the people.
In an official statement released on Sunday, ECOWAS expressed “consternation” over the reports of a coup attempt and commended efforts by the Beninese government and the Republican Army to restore order.
“ECOWAS strongly condemns this unconstitutional move that represents a subversion of the will of the people of Benin,” the statement said.
The regional bloc reaffirmed its commitment to the constitutional order in Benin and held the coup plotters “individually and collectively responsible” for any loss of life or property resulting from their actions.
In a related development, Nigerian government has reportedly sent a fighter jet to Benin surveiling any suspicious action. ECOWAS also warned that it would support the government of Benin “in all forms necessary,” including the possible deployment of its regional standby force.
The statement, issued from the ECOWAS headquarters in Abuja, Nigeria, comes as West Africa continues to struggle with a wave of military coups, particularly in Francophone countries.
