The ECOWAS Commission has ordered the immediate deployment of its standby force to the Republic of Benin after a failed coup attempt, the commission announced on Sunday. The decision, made following consultations among heads of state and government, aligns with Article 25(e) of the 1999 ECOWAS Protocol on Conflict Prevention, Management, Resolution, Peacekeeping, and Security.

According to a statement issued in Abuja, the deployment was directed by the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, following deliberations by the mediation and security council. Troops from Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Côte d’Ivoire, and Ghana will support the government and republican army of Benin in maintaining constitutional order and territorial integrity.

The coup attempt occurred on Sunday morning, with gunshots reported near President Patrice Talon’s residence and armoured vehicles patrolling the presidential palace. The group behind the coup, calling itself the Military Committee for Refoundation, claimed to have removed the president and dissolved political institutions.

However, the Benin Presidency confirmed that President Talon is safe and that the regular army has regained control of the situation. The ECOWAS deployment aims to reinforce stability and prevent further disruption.