By Ayo Kehinde
The Federal Government of Nigeria has condemned the attempted coup in the Republic of Benin and urged West African nations to unite against growing threats to democratic stability in the sub-region.
Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, Senior Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Nigeria described the attempted takeover as “a direct assault on democracy, constitutional order, and the collective will of the Beninese people.”
The government commended Beninese security forces for their professionalism in defending constitutional order and ensuring the president’s safety.
“This act of destabilization represents 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. Nigeria stands in firm solidarity with the Government and people of the Republic of Benin,” the statement read.
Nigeria described unconstitutional changes of government as “unacceptable and retrogressive,” warning that such actions threaten the democratic gains and socio-economic progress made in West Africa.
Reaffirming its leadership role within ECOWAS and the African Union, Nigeria called on regional and international partners to unite in condemning the attempted coup and recommit to the AU Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance, as well as the ECOWAS Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance.
“As a steadfast partner within ECOWAS and the African Union, Nigeria calls on all member states and the international community to unite in condemning this act and reaffirm our shared commitment to democratic governance,” the statement added.
The government urged all stakeholders in Benin Republic to remain calm, uphold the rule of law, and pursue political dialogue through peaceful and constitutional means.
Nigeria also assured Benin of its “full support and continued cooperation” in strengthening democracy, peace, and prosperity across the sub-region.
