Nigeria Leads ECOWAS in Benin Coup Intervention

In a decisive move to protect democracy in West Africa, Nigeria spearheaded efforts under the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) in response to a military coup attempt in Benin. On December 7, soldiers in Benin declared a takeover, prompting Nigeria to rapidly mobilize jets and ground forces to counter the mutiny. The intervention, sanctioned by the 1999 ECOWAS protocol, marked a significant instance of regional cooperation to uphold good governance. Troops from other ECOWAS nations soon joined Nigerian forces to stabilize the government of President Patrice Talon and ensure order.

Nigeria’s Coordinated Response

According to Bayo Onanuga, the spokesperson for Nigerian President Bola Tinubu, the intervention was at the express request of the Beninese government. President Talon first sought aerial support for loyalist forces and later requested ground troops to neutralize the mutineers led by Lt. Col. Pascal Tigri. The operation was conducted with precision, targeting an insurgent stronghold in a densely populated area to minimize civilian casualties. Nigerian officials emphasized the importance of protecting democratic institutions and underscored the strategic significance of swiftly neutralizing the threat.

While the intervention was initially carried out before formal parliamentary approval, the legislature, dominated by the ruling party, eventually ratified the move. Opposition voices, though critical of the process, could not prevent the mission’s progression. Nigeria’s new defense minister, General Chris Musa, highlighted the operation as a model for how the armed forces could swiftly defend allies and maintain regional stability.

Countering the Spread of the “Coup Belt”

The failed coup in Benin highlights the growing instability across West Africa’s “coup belt,” an area plagued by political upheavals. Recent military overthrows in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger have not only stirred tensions with former colonial power France but have also disrupted regional development initiatives. The Beninese coup attempt also reflects how jihadist insurgencies, which have escalated across the Sahel, are being used as pretexts for destabilizing governments.

Under President Talon’s leadership, Benin has achieved notable economic growth, with its GDP swelling to 7.5% in 2024, driven partly by Talon’s business-savvy background in cotton exports. However, his consolidation of power through controversial electoral reforms has left much of the political opposition sidelined, increasing discontent even within the military. Soldiers behind the coup alleged that Talon’s administration failed to sufficiently acknowledge or support their sacrifices in fighting jihadist insurgents, whose operations have increasingly penetrated northern Benin.

Diplomatic Ripples: The Burkina Faso Incident

Though the Benin intervention was deemed successful, a related diplomatic hiccup occurred in neighboring Burkina Faso. A Nigerian military aircraft, en route to Europe for a ferry mission, made an unplanned landing in Burkina Faso’s city of Bobo Dioulasso due to technical issues. This incident led to brief tension as Burkina Faso, a nation that recently exited ECOWAS, classified the landing as “unauthorized” and labeled it an unfriendly act. Despite initial outrage, the nine passengers and two crew members aboard the plane were released two days later.

These events emphasize the complex dynamics within West Africa, as countries like Burkina Faso align with new blocs such as the Association of Sahel States. For Nigeria and ECOWAS, navigating these challenges requires careful strategic planning to foster unity and encourage a return to democratic norms in the region.