Benin Expresses Deep Gratitude to Nigeria and ECOWAS for Foiling Coup Attempt
The Republic of Benin has officially lauded Nigeria and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) for their pivotal roles in thwarting a recent coup attempt and subsequently reinforcing democratic governance within the nation. This commendation was articulated during a joint press briefing in Abuja, held by Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, and the Republic of Benin’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, Olushegun Adjadi Bakari. The briefing convened on the sidelines of the 95th Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Council of Ministers, offering a crucial platform to update regional and international media on Benin’s restored democratic order and the broader security landscape of the West African sub-region.
A United Front Against Undemocratic Forces
Minister Olushegun Adjadi Bakari, addressing the assembled journalists, conveyed the profound appreciation of the Beninese government towards Nigeria and ECOWAS. He highlighted the swift and decisive nature of their intervention, which successfully neutralized the coup attempt and preserved the country’s democratic foundations. Bakari emphasized that the collective support from Nigeria, alongside Côte d’Ivoire, Sierra Leone, and Ghana, operating under established ECOWAS protocols, was instrumental in presenting a unified regional stance against unconstitutional changes in government. This coordinated effort, he explained, proved decisive in salvaging the democratic situation.
The Beninese minister revealed that while loyalist forces within Benin had successfully contained the immediate threat, the rapid diplomatic and military coordination with neighbouring nations was a critical factor in preventing further escalation and ensuring the swift restoration of stability. He characterized the intervention as a powerful testament to a robust partnership built on shared democratic values, a principle actively championed by both Benin’s President Patrice Talon and Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu.
The Strength of Shared Values and Regional Solidarity
“In my view, the success is the result of a very strong relationship between President Talon and President Tinubu, who are strong defenders of democracy in our sub-region. When you share the same values, it is easier to take decisions quickly,” Minister Bakari stated, underscoring the personal commitment and alignment between the two leaders.
Furthermore, Bakari acknowledged the strategic timing of the ECOWAS Ministerial Meeting, which took place mere days after the incident in Benin. He pointed to this convergence as a clear demonstration of the ECOWAS regional bloc’s enduring relevance and the deep-seated brotherhood that binds its member states.
“On behalf of the government and people of Benin, I thank President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the people of Nigeria, and the entire ECOWAS community for the support given to my country. Together, we decided to stop the spread of coups in our sub-region,” he declared, reinforcing the collective resolve to safeguard democracy across West Africa.
Assurances for Investors and Continued Commitment to Stability
Minister Bakari extended a direct assurance to Nigerian investors and business professionals operating in Benin. He pledged the government’s unwavering commitment to maintaining stability and ensuring a secure and conducive business environment, emphasizing that the safeguarding of democracy remains a paramount priority.
Nigeria’s Unwavering Commitment to Regional Security and Democracy
In his remarks, Ambassador Tuggar reaffirmed Nigeria’s steadfast dedication to collaborating closely with all ECOWAS Member States and international partners. The objective, he stated, is to collectively address the multifaceted security threats and socio-economic challenges that continue to impact the region.
“We are all aware of what transpired in the Republic of Benin and the fast reaction that followed. It is an exemplar of what should obtain whenever democracy is under threat in our region and indeed on the African continent,” Ambassador Tuggar commented, highlighting the Beninese incident as a positive model for future responses to democratic crises.
He further elaborated on the factors contributing to the swift resolution, noting, “It’s the individual agency, the understanding, and the long relationship between the two countries. From the very beginning, my brother and I were communicating. That fast reaction is what led to stopping this unconstitutional attempt.”
Ambassador Tuggar concluded by reiterating Nigeria’s commitment to President Tinubu’s foreign policy doctrine, often referred to as the “Four Ds”: Democracy, Demography, Development, and Diaspora. He specifically emphasized that democracy remains the foremost priority within this framework, underscoring Nigeria’s leadership role in promoting and defending democratic principles across the continent.
