West African Troops Mobilize in Benin Amid Coup Aftermath

Fri Dec 12 2025 21:06:11 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Approximately 200 soldiers from regional forces, mainly Nigeria and Ivory Coast, are deployed in Benin to assist government efforts following a failed coup attempt, aiming to restore stability and prevent further violence.

In the wake of a failed coup in Benin, around 200 soldiers from Nigeria and Ivory Coast have been sent to support the local government. This military intervention comes after Nigerian forces successfully repelled rebels attempting to seize control. The strategic deployment aims to ensure security and prevent any resurgence of violence as a manhunt for coup plotters continues.

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 says.

The attempt was foiled after Nigeria deployed fighter jets to drive the mutineers out of a military base and state TV headquarters, where they had declared a takeover.

This marks the first time officials have disclosed the number of foreign troops deployed, although it remains uncertain if any soldiers have been withdrawn since Sunday.

Benin's Foreign Affairs Minister Olushegun Adjadi Bakari stated that regional troops had remained in the country as part of the sweep and clean-up operation.

A manhunt for those involved in the coup plot is underway, with the leader reportedly seeking refuge in neighboring Togo.

The rebel soldiers justified their actions by criticizing President Patrice Talon's handling of the deteriorating security situation in northern Benin.

The West African regional bloc, Ecowas, has deployed troops from Nigeria, Ghana, Sierra Leone, and Ivory Coast to secure key installations and prevent any resurgence of violence.

Nigeria, as Benin's large neighbor to the east, described the coup attempt as a direct assault on democracy.

According to Bakari, some 50 soldiers from Ivory Coast were part of the regional deployment.

There are currently around 200 soldiers present, who came to lend a hand to the Beninese defense and security forces as part of the sweep and clean-up operation, Bakari explained during a press conference in Nigeria's capital, Abuja.

He added that by the time help was called for, the coup attempt was already considered a failure.

Under pressure after a series of successful coups in the region, Ecowas is signaling its new resolve to defend democratic governments against military takeovers.

Bakari praised Ecowas, stating it is a crucial tool for upholding democracy and regional stability.

Benin's army has faced losses near its northern border with insurgency-hit Niger and Burkina Faso, where extremists linked to Islamic State and al-Qaeda have increased their presence.

As President Talon prepares to step down next year after his second term, upcoming elections are scheduled in April.