The Federal Republic of Nigeria has condemned in the strongest possible terms the attempted forcible seizure of power in the Republic of Benin, describing it as an act of destabilization and a direct assault on democracy, constitutional order, and the collective will of the people of the country.
Some mutineers in military uniform, led by Lieutenant Colonel Pascal Tigri, had in the early hours of Sunday announced on the national television station in Cotonou, that they had seized power, dissolved the government and suspended the constitution.
However, their bid to overthrow the government of President Patrice Talon government failed after they were unable to breach the presidential residence and the National Guard quickly moved in, surrounding the TV station and flushed out the coupists.
In a reaction to the security breach, Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar expressed grave concern, stating that
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.
Tuggar whose message was conveyed through the Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, commended the courage and professionalism of the Beninese security forces in defending the constitutional order and guaranteeing the safety of President Talon and his family. According to Tuggar, the dedication of the National Guards ensured that the unfortunate attempt to subvert democracy was decisively repelled.
“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.
“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.
“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,” he said.
Tuggar urged 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 attempted coup followed recent political tensions, including a controversial extension of Presidential Talon’s tenure from five to seven years.Talon was due to step down next April after 10 years in power.
