ECOWAS orders immediate deployment of standby force to Benin after failed coup attempt

By Johnson Arua

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has directed the urgent deployment of its Standby Force to the Republic of Benin following the recent attempted military takeover in the country.

In a statement issued on Sunday, the Commission said the decision aligns with the provisions of the ECOWAS 1999 Protocol on Conflict Prevention, Management, Resolution, Peacekeeping and Security.

According to the communiqué, the deployment was approved after consultations among Heads of State and Government under the Mediation and Security Council. The standby force will comprise troops drawn from Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Côte d’Ivoire, and Ghana.

ECOWAS said the mission has been mandated to support the government of Benin and the Republican Army in safeguarding constitutional order and protecting the country’s territorial integrity.

The statement read in part:
“Pursuant to the provisions of relevant ECOWAS instruments, in particular Article 25(e) of the 1999 Protocol Relating to the Mechanism for Conflict Prevention, Management, Resolution, Peacekeeping and Security, and after consultation among members of the Mediation and Security Council at the level of Heads of State and Government, the Chair of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government has ordered the deployment of elements of the ECOWAS Standby Force to the Republic of Benin with immediate effect.

“The Regional Force shall be made up of troops from the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Côte d’Ivoire, and Republic of Ghana.

“The Force shall support the Government and the Republican Army of Benin to preserve constitutional order and the territorial integrity of the Republic of Benin.”

The regional bloc reiterated that the deployment aims to stabilize the political situation, prevent further disruption, and uphold democratic governance in the Republic of Benin.