Nigeria condemns attempted coup in Republic of Benin, pledges full support

Abdullateef Fowewe

The Nigerian government has strongly condemned the attempted forcible seizure of power in the Republic of Benin in the early hours of Sunday, December 7, 2025.

In a statement signed by Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Nigeria expressed “grave concern” and described the act as “a direct assault on democracy, constitutional order, and the collective will of the Beninese people.”

The statement applauded the swift response of Beninese authorities, noting, “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.”

Reiterating its dedication to democratic principles, Nigeria emphasised that “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 key member of ECOWAS and the African Union, Nigeria called on 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.”

The Nigerian government urged all parties in Benin “to remain calm, uphold the rule of law, and continue to channel any political discourse through peaceful, constitutional, and democratic means.”

The statement concluded with a reaffirmation of partnership, “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.”