COUP: ECOWAS Sends Standby Force To Benin To Bolster Security

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has ordered the immediate deployment of its standby force to the Republic of Benin, following consultations among the region’s heads of state and government.

The move is in line with ECOWAS protocols, particularly Article 25(e) of the 1999 protocol on conflict prevention, management, resolution, peacekeeping, and security.

A statement released in Abuja on Sunday said the decision followed deliberations by the mediation and security council.

“The chair of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government has ordered the deployment of elements of the ECOWAS standby force to the Republic of Benin with immediate effect,” the commission said.

The regional force will include troops from Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Côte d’Ivoire, and Ghana, tasked with supporting the Benin government in maintaining peace, stability, and security.