Nigeria Leads ECOWAS in Thwarting Coup Attempt in Benin

Nigeria has taken a commanding role in destabilizing a coup attempt in neighboring Benin, showcasing its commitment to regional stability and democracy under the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) framework. The intervention, which began on December 7 when soldiers declared a power grab, marks the first military action conducted under the 1999 ECOWAS protocol for upholding governance in member states.

Upon receiving an official request from Benin’s President Patrice Talon, Nigeria swiftly deployed its air force alongside ground troops to counter the mutinous soldiers. According to Bayo Onanuga, President Bola Tinubu’s spokesperson, a tailored response strategy was executed to neutralize threats while avoiding civilian casualties in heavily populated areas. Additional support soon arrived from ECOWAS member states, reinforcing efforts to safeguard the Talon administration and maintain constitutional order within Benin’s borders.

ECOWAS Unity in Action

The quick alignment of ECOWAS members in supporting Nigeria’s intervention demonstrates unity within the bloc, emphasizing the importance of regional stability amidst rising political unrest in West Africa. Mutiny leader Lt. Col. Pascal Tigri and his forces, stationed in a civilian-dense barracks, presented a complex challenge—one requiring precision and coordination among regional militaries. Nigeria’s action reflected strategic readiness with both political and military backing, affirmed by Defense Minister General Chris Musa, who emphasized the country’s responsibility in addressing regional threats.

Benin narrowly escaped becoming part of West Africa’s so-called “coup belt,” where military takeovers have destabilized nations like Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso. The attempted coup underscores the growing need for proactive measures to address not only unconstitutional power shifts but also the socio-political consequences of militant insurgencies that have plagued the Sahel in recent years, even extending their reach into northern Benin. Such pressures have fueled dissatisfaction among soldiers who claim insufficient government support despite significant sacrifices on the battlefield.

President Talon: A Controversial Leadership

Under President Patrice Talon’s leadership, Benin has experienced economic growth and infrastructure development, boasting a GDP growth rate of 7.5% in 2024. Talon, a successful businessman, initially campaigned on ending corruption and limiting presidential terms to five years. However, his decision to seek re-election in 2021, combined with electoral reforms that stifled opposition access, raised alarms about democratic backsliding. Critics argue that Talon’s consolidation of power left the country’s army as a potential opposition force—and the latest coup attempt reflects these emerging tensions.

Benin’s domestic challenges also extend to political marginalization, with opposition parties largely boycotting electoral processes, citing restrictive rules imposed by Talon’s administration. As one educator in Cotonou put it, “The opposition is so completely emasculated that what we have here is no longer democracy.” This climate of disenfranchisement provides fertile ground for discord, making Benin increasingly vulnerable to internal instability.

Diplomatic Hiccups and Wider Implications

Despite Nigeria’s commendable role in foiling the Benin coup, a diplomatic incident with Burkina Faso briefly overshadowed the intervention. A Nigerian military plane, en route to Portugal, was forced to make an emergency landing in Burkina Faso’s second city, Bobo Dioulasso, igniting tensions with the breakaway Association of Sahel States. While the Nigerian government maintained that the landing was precautionary due to technical concerns, Burkina Faso labeled it “unauthorized,” temporarily detaining the crew before resolving the situation two days later. The incident highlighted the fragile state of regional diplomacy in light of ECOWAS withdrawals and the growing influence of alternative alliances.

With jihadist insurgencies and anti-democratic movements continuing to destabilize the region, Nigeria’s decisive response in Benin stands as a blueprint for future ECOWAS-led interventions. The success of these efforts depends not only on military action but on fostering inclusive governance, addressing local grievances, and strengthening regional cooperation to prevent future coups.