NIGERIA TV INFO

ECOWAS DEPLOYS STANDBY FORCE TO BENIN REPUBLIC AFTER FAILED COUP ATTEMPT

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Commission has deployed a standby force to Benin Republic to ensure the restoration of law and order following an attempted military takeover targeting President Patrice Talon.

The regional bloc confirmed that the deployment aims to “safeguard constitutional democracy” after a faction of soldiers launched an attack on President Talon’s official residence in Porto-Novo early Sunday, marking the beginning of a short-lived coup attempt.

Soldiers Seize State TV, Announce Dissolution of Government

In the early hours of Sunday, a group of armed soldiers stormed Benin’s national television station and declared that President Patrice Talon had been removed from office.

The mutineers—allegedly led by Lieutenant Colonel Pascal Tigri—announced the dissolution of all state institutions during a brief televised appearance.

Transmission was reportedly disrupted shortly after the broadcast, while loyal government forces moved swiftly to regain control.

Gunfire Reported Near Presidential Residence

The French Embassy in Cotonou confirmed via X (formerly Twitter) that gunfire had erupted near Camp Guezo, close to the president’s residence. French nationals were advised to remain indoors until calm was restored.

ECOWAS Reacts Immediately

Following reports of the attempted coup, ECOWAS activated its standby military unit to prevent further escalation and reinforce Benin’s democratic institutions.

The Commission reiterated its zero-tolerance stance for unconstitutional power seizures across the West African region.

As of the latest update, President Patrice Talon is safe, and government officials have assured the public that order is being restored.