Regional Soldiers Mobilized in Benin After Coup Attempt

Fri Dec 12 2025 15:42:37 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Around 200 soldiers from West Africa, primarily from Nigeria and Ivory Coast, have been deployed to Benin to assist in stabilizing the nation following a recent coup attempt. The international military presence aims to support local forces and prevent any resurgence of turmoil.

Following a thwarted coup in Benin, approximately 200 West African soldiers have arrived to aid the government in maintaining order. The troops, mostly from Nigeria and Ivory Coast, are part of a regional effort to ensure stability and prevent further unrest after the failed military takeover that was countered by Nigerian forces. This deployment marks a significant response from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), highlighting the urgent need to protect democratic governance in the region.

Some 200 West African soldiers, mainly from Nigeria and Ivory Coast, are in Benin to support the government following Sunday’s failed coup, Benin's foreign minister states.

The coup attempt was foiled when Nigeria deployed fighter jets to dislodge the mutineers from a military base and TV headquarters they had seized.

This is the first indication from officials regarding the number of foreign soldiers deployed, although it remains uncertain how many may have been withdrawn since the incident.

Benin’s Foreign Affairs Minister Olushegun Adjadi Bakari mentioned in a statement that some regional troops had stayed behind for what he termed a sweep and clean-up operation.

A manhunt is ongoing for those implicated in the plot, with reports suggesting that the coup leader may be hiding in neighboring Togo.

The rebel soldiers have justified their actions by criticizing President Patrice Talon’s handling of the growing security issues in northern Benin.

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has sent troops from several member countries, including Nigeria, Ghana, Sierra Leone, and Ivory Coast, to safeguard critical installations and deter any further violence.

Nigeria characterized its soldiers' entry as a response to a direct assault on democracy.

An Ivorian security source confirmed the deployment of 50 soldiers as part of the regional support mission.

Foreign Minister Bakari emphasized that the local forces had already repelled the coup attempt when discussions for external assistance began.

What we needed was precise aerial back-up to conduct surgical operations targeting enemy positions while minimizing risk to civilians, he stated.

Bakari praised ECOWAS as a vital entity for defending democratic values in the region.

Benin's army has faced challenges in recent years due to increased jihadi violence spilling over from Niger and Burkina Faso. President Talon is slated to step down next year, with elections on the horizon in April.