The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has announced the immediate deployment of its standby force to the Republic of Benin to support the government and military in maintaining constitutional order and territorial integrity.

The announcement was made in a statement released on Monday, December 8, 2025.

The force, comprising troops from Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Côte d’Ivoire, and Ghana, was ordered by the Chair of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government following consultations among member states through the Mediation and Security Council.

“The Regional Force shall support the Government and the Republican Army of Benin to preserve constitutional order and the territorial integrity of the Republic of Benin,” the statement read.

This deployment comes in the wake of a failed coup attempt in Benin, which occurred earlier this week. Reports indicate that a faction within the military tried to overthrow the government, sparking concerns over the stability of the country.

ECOWAS’s swift action reflects its commitment to the 1999 Protocol Relating to the Mechanism for Conflict Prevention, Management, Resolution, Peacekeeping, and Security, which mandates intervention to protect democratic governance and prevent destabilisation in member states.

The situation remains tense as ECOWAS forces arrive to support local authorities, while international observers continue to monitor developments in the West African nation.

Below is a copy of the statement