Approximately 200 West African soldiers, primarily from Nigeria and Ivory Coast, are currently deployed in Benin. Their presence supports the Beninese government following a failed coup attempt on Sunday. These troops are engaged in ongoing security stabilization operations.
Details of the Coup Attempt and Intervention
The coup attempt was reportedly thwarted after Nigeria deployed fighter jets to dislodge mutineers from a military base and state television headquarters, where they had declared a takeover. Benin's Foreign Affairs Minister, Olushegun Adjadi Bakari, confirmed the continued presence of regional troops on Thursday, stating their role in a "sweep and clean-up operation."
Benin's government requested Nigeria's military intervention to prevent civilian casualties. Bakari clarified that by the time discussions for intervention began under ECOWAS protocol, Beninese forces had already repelled the coup. The intervention aimed to provide precise aerial support for targeted operations against key enemy positions without risking civilian casualties.
Nigeria's Foreign Affairs Minister, Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, stated that swift diplomatic, military, and intelligence coordination between Nigeria and Benin contributed to foiling the coup attempt. An Ivory Coast security source indicated 50 soldiers from that country were part of the regional deployment.
Motivations and Regional Context
Rebel soldiers justified their actions by citing criticisms of President Patrice Talon's administration, specifically highlighting concerns over the "continuing deterioration of the security situation in northern Benin." The West African regional bloc, ECOWAS, deployed troops from Nigeria, Ghana, Sierra Leone, and Ivory Coast to secure critical installations and prevent further violence. Nigeria described the coup attempt as a "direct assault on democracy."
Current Status and Future Outlook
An operation to locate and apprehend those involved in the plot is in progress. The alleged leader of the failed coup is reportedly taking refuge in neighboring Togo. Discussions regarding the duration of the regional forces' deployment are ongoing, with any decision to be made in collaboration with Benin's defense and security forces. The presence of French special forces, who reportedly assisted loyalist troops, has not been confirmed as ongoing.
ECOWAS has reiterated its commitment to upholding democratic governance in the region, following a series of successful military coups in other West African nations. Benin's army has faced challenges near its northern border with Niger and Burkina Faso due to the southward spread of jihadist militants. President Talon is scheduled to complete his second term in 2026, with elections planned for April of that year.