Federal Government has criticised the attempted takeover of power in Benin Republic.
Gatekeepers News reports that during a broadcast on the state-run television station earlier on Sunday morning, some uniformed officers identifying themselves as members of the Military Committee for Refoundation, announced that they had assumed full command of the country’s national affairs.
In the televised address, the soldiers stated that President Patrice Talon and all political officeholders had been removed from office, adding that state institutions, including the constitutional structures of government, had been dissolved.
They introduced Lieutenant Colonel Pascal Tigri as the head of the newly formed military leadership, claiming that their intervention was necessary to refound the nation and restore “public order”.
In a statement issued by Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Nigeria said it received the news with
grave concern and commended Benin’s leaders for acting quickly to protect democratic structures.
According to the government, the failed plot was 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 also praised the conduct of the security forces, stressing that their efforts were key to defending the constitutional order and guaranteeing the safety of the President.
The ministry added that the quick response ensured the move to derail democracy “was decisively repelled”.
Nigeria reiterated its strong commitment to the principles of democracy, good governance, and the rule of law as fundamental pillars for peace, development, and regional stability.
It added that unconstitutional changes of government are an unacceptable and retrogressive step that threatens the hard-earned democratic gains and socio-economic progress of our sub-region.
As a member of ECOWAS and the African Union, Nigeria urged all countries and partners to stand together in rejecting the attempted takeover and to uphold shared commitments to democratic governance.
The Federal Government also promised Benin full support and continued cooperation in efforts to strengthen democracy and promote stability across West Africa.
