Nigeria condemns coup attempt in Benin Republic, calls it assault on Democracy
The Nigerian government has condemned the attempted seizure of power in the neighbouring Benin Republic on Sunday, while commending the Beninese authorities for their prompt actions in protecting democratic governance in the country.
The coup attempt which was orchestrated by a group of soldiers who identified themselves as the Military Committee for Rebuilding, announced on national television that they had taken control of power.
The group further stated that the incumbent Beninese President Patrice Talon and all elected officials had been ousted and all state institutions dissolved.
The Military Committee led by Colonel Tigri Pascal consequently suspended the constitution and shut the nation’s borders.
It was later announced by the Interior Minister Alassane Seidou in a statement that the country’s armed forces had foiled the attempted coup and regained control of power.
Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, Spokesperson for the Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said in a statement on Sunday that the Federal Government was troubled by reports of the development.
The Nigerian Government said the coup attempt was affront on democracy, undermining the collective will of the Beninese people.
The statement read: “This act of destabilisation represents 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 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.
“We commend the courage and professionalism of the Beninese security forces in defending the constitutional order and guaranteeing the safety of the President. Their dedication ensured that the unfortunate attempt to subvert democracy was decisively repelled.”
The statement said further that Nigeria remained committed to the principles of democracy, good governance, and the rule of law as fundamental pillars for peace, development and regional stability.
“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 steadfast partner within the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the African Union, Nigeria calls on all member states and the international community to unite in condemning this act and in reaffirming our shared commitment to the African Union’s Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance, and the ECOWAS Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance,” the statement added.
The Federal Government reaffirmed its solidarity with the Republic of Benin, calling on stakeholders in the country to exercise restraint and respect legal processes, while pursuing political differences only through peaceful and constitutional means.
