The Federal Government of Nigeria has strongly condemned the attempted unconstitutional seizure of power in the Republic of Benin, praising the Beninese security forces for decisively repelling the mutiny.
In a press statement signed by Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Nigeria described the coup attempt as “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.”
The statement added: “Nigeria stands in firm solidarity with the Government and people of the Republic of Benin, and applauds the swift action taken by Beninese authorities to protect its legitimate institutions and preserve the peace.”
Nigeria also commended the professionalism of Benin’s security forces, noting that: “Their dedication ensured that the unfortunate attempt to subvert democracy was decisively repelled.”
The statement reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to democracy and good governance, emphasising the country’s support for regional stability.
According to the statement, “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. 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.”
Highlighting Nigeria’s role within regional organisations, the statement said: “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.”
Nigeria also urged political actors in Benin to exercise restraint and uphold the rule of law: “We urge all parties in the Republic of Benin to remain calm, uphold the rule of law, and continue to channel any political discourse through peaceful, constitutional, and democratic means.”
The statement concluded with assurances of continued cooperation: “The Federal Government of Nigeria reassures the Government of the Republic of Benin of its full support and continued cooperation as we work together, as brothers and partners, to deepen democracy and ensure lasting peace and prosperity for our peoples and the entire West African region.”
The attempted coup adds to a worrying trend of unconstitutional power grabs in West Africa, including in Burkina Faso (2022), Guinea (2021), Mali (2020), Niger (2023) and, most recently, Guinea-Bissau, where soldiers seized power last month after electoral disputes.
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