The Nigerian government has issued a strong condemnation of an attempted military takeover in the neighboring Republic of Benin, urging all parties to prioritize peace and constitutional order.
Nigeria's Firm Stance on Constitutional Order
In an official statement released on Sunday, December 7, 2025, the Federal Government of Nigeria, through its Ministry of Foreign Affairs, called for calm in Benin. The statement, delivered by spokesperson Kimiebi Ebienfa, emphasized that political grievances must be resolved through lawful means. Foreign Affairs Minister Yusuf Tuggar's office reaffirmed Nigeria's solidarity with the Beninese people and government.
"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," the statement declared. It further commended the Beninese security forces for their courage and professionalism in defending the constitutional order and ensuring the safety of President Patrice Talon.
Details of the Unfolding Incident
The attempted coup was announced on Beninese state television by a faction identifying itself as the "Military Committee for Refoundation," which declared that President Patrice Talon had been removed from office. However, Talon's office quickly countered this claim, confirming that the president was secure and that loyalist forces were in the process of restoring order.
Reports from the capital, Cotonou, detailed sounds of gunfire near Camp Guezo, which is close to the presidential residence. Soldiers were also seen blocking access to key government buildings, including the presidency and the state television broadcaster.
Regional Implications and Collective Response
Nigeria's statement framed the event as a direct threat to democratic progress and regional stability in West Africa. As a leading member of both the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the African Union (AU), Nigeria called for a unified international condemnation of the coup attempt.
"We call on all member states and the international community to unite in condemning this act and reaffirming our shared commitment to the AU Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance, and the ECOWAS Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance," the ministry urged.
The Federal Government assured Benin of Nigeria's continued partnership in promoting peace and stability across the region. It concluded with a direct appeal: "We urge 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."
This incident adds to a concerning pattern of political instability in West Africa, following recent coups in nations like Niger, Burkina Faso, Madagascar, and Guinea-Bissau. President Talon, 67, who has led Benin since 2016, is constitutionally mandated to conclude his second and final term in April 2026. ECOWAS has also denounced the attempted power grab, pledging to take necessary measures to safeguard democracy.
