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The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has announced the deployment of its Standby Force to the Republic of Benin in a decisive response to the country’s escalating political and security crisis. The move aims to protect constitutional order and safeguard Benin’s territorial integrity following a military takeover.
In a statement released on Sunday, December 7, 2025, the ECOWAS Commission said the deployment was authorized by the Chair of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government. The decision was guided by Article 25(e) of the 1999 Protocol on Conflict Prevention, Management, Resolution, Peacekeeping, and Security.
According to the directive, the standby force will comprise troops from Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Côte d’Ivoire, and Ghana. The units are expected to work alongside the Government and the Republican Army of Benin to stabilize the country amid rising political tensions. ECOWAS emphasized that the deployment takes “immediate effect,” although details about the size of the force and operational timelines were not disclosed.
The Commission underscored that the action reflects ECOWAS’ long-standing commitment to preserving democratic governance and responding swiftly to threats against stability within the subregion. Further updates are expected as the situation unfolds.
The intervention follows a dramatic announcement earlier on Sunday by Benin’s military, who appeared on national television to declare the suspension of the constitution and the closure of all land borders and airspace. The soldiers confirmed that President Patrice Talon had been ousted.
They named Lieutenant-Colonel Tigri Pascal as the leader of a new military transition council, accusing President Talon of poor governance and mismanaging national affairs.
ECOWAS is expected to continue monitoring the situation closely as diplomatic and security efforts intensify.
