Approximately 200 West African soldiers, primarily from Nigeria and Ivory Coast, remain in Benin following a failed coup attempt on Sunday. Benin's Foreign Affairs Minister, Olushegun Adjadi Bakari, stated on Thursday that these regional troops are involved in a "sweep and clean-up operation."
The coup attempt was thwarted after Nigeria deployed fighter jets to dislodge mutineers from a military base and state television headquarters, where a takeover had been declared. This marks the first official confirmation of the number of foreign soldiers deployed; however, it remains unclear if any have since been withdrawn.
A search operation for individuals involved in the plot is in progress. The reported leader of the failed coup is said to be taking refuge in neighboring Togo. The mutineers had publicly criticized President Patrice Talon's administration, specifically citing concerns about the "continuing deterioration of the security situation in northern Benin."
The West African regional bloc, ECOWAS, deployed troops from member states including Nigeria, Ghana, Sierra Leone, and Ivory Coast. Their mandate was to secure key installations and prevent any recurrence of violence. Nigeria characterized the coup attempt as a "direct assault on democracy." An Ivory Coast security source confirmed the deployment of 50 soldiers from their country as part of the regional effort.
Speaking in Abuja, Nigeria, Minister Bakari noted that Beninese forces had already repelled the mutineers by the time discussions for regional intervention began under ECOWAS protocol. He explained that "precise aerial back-up" was required to conduct a "surgical operation" targeting enemy positions while minimizing civilian casualties.
Nigeria's Foreign Affairs Minister, Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, affirmed that swift diplomatic, military, and intelligence coordination between Nigeria and Benin contributed to foiling the coup. Discussions are ongoing regarding the duration of the regional forces' presence in Benin. Bakari indicated that any decision would be made "in close collaboration with Benin's defence and security forces." The status of French special forces, reportedly assisting loyalist troops, is also unconfirmed.
Under increased scrutiny due to a series of successful coups in the region, ECOWAS has signaled a reinforced commitment to upholding democratically elected governments. Bakari commended ECOWAS for its role in defending democratic principles in the region.
Benin's army has experienced casualties near its northern border with Niger and Burkina Faso in recent years, attributed to jihadist militants linked to Islamic State and al-Qaeda expanding southward. President Talon is expected to conclude his second term in office next year, with elections scheduled for April.