Benin Govt Hails Nigeria, ECOWAS over Thwarted Coup

By Angel Ike

Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Benin, Olushegun Bakari, has praised Nigeria and other ECOWAS member states for their rapid response in stopping a recent plot to subvert democracy in Benin.

During a joint media briefing in Abuja, alongside Nigeria’s Foreign Affairs Minister Yusuf Tuggar, Bakari commended the power of regional unity.

He noted that Benin requested support from Nigeria, Côte d’Ivoire, Sierra Leone and Ghana under ECOWAS protocols, and to reinforce a united regional front against unconstitutional change of government.

Bakari described the intervention as a demonstration of strong partnership rooted in shared democratic values championed by President Patrice Talon of Benin and Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu.

He said that Beninese loyalist forces repelled the coup attempt, but the situation required careful handling to avoid needless civilian casualties.

“We sought support not because our army was incapable, but because President Patrice Talon wanted to prevent heavy loss of life,” he said.

Bakari assured that Benin government remains committed to safeguarding democracy and ensuring a secure environment for investment.

Nigeria’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Yusuf Tuggar emphasised that the West Africa’s security challenges are interconnected and required a regional approach.

He said the response succeeded due to early communication, rapid action and the involvement of colleagues who helped avert an unconstitutional change of government.

He called for sustained regional cooperation to protect democracy across ECOWAS members states.

Tuggar added, “The speed of officials like Minister Bakari, and the quick involvement of both presidents, made the decisive difference.”