The ringleader of foiled military coup in Benin Republic and a dozen soldiers comprising serving soldiers except one, who is a former member of the armed forces have been arrested
Penpushing reports that the arrests followed a broadcast on Benin’s national television on Sunday morning, in which a group of military officers announced the removal of President Patrice Talon and the dissolution of all state institutions.
The officers, identifying themselves as the Military Committee for Refoundation, claimed they had seized power, however, the presidency declared that President Talon is safe and that loyalist forces are restoring order.
Penpushing further reports that the government described the incident as the work of a small group with limited influence, who only control the television, emphasizing that the regular army is regaining control.
“This is a small group of people who only control the television. The regular army is regaining control. The city and the country are completely secure,” the presidency said.
Penpushing also reports that the Nigerian government has condemned the failed coup in Benin, describing it as a direct assault on democracy, constitutional order, and the collective will of the Beninese people.
The Nigeria’s foreign affairs ministry in a statement said Nigeria government received with grave concern and unequivocally condemns in the strongest possible terms the attempted forcible seizure of power in the friendly neighbour and brotherly nation.
“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’
‘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’.
‘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’.
‘Nigeria reiterates its strong commitment 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’.
‘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’.
‘The Federal Government of Nigeria reassures the Government of the Republic of Benin of its full support and continued cooperation as we work together, as brothers and partners, to deepen democracy and ensure lasting peace and prosperity for our peoples and the entire West African region’.
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