Sierra Leone has been asked to contribute troops to a new regional security mission approved by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to support stability in the Republic of Benin.
In a statement released on Sunday, December 7, 2025, the ECOWAS Commission announced that the deployment was endorsed following high-level consultations within the Mediation and Security Council, comprising Heads of State and Government.
The decision triggers Article 25(e) of the 1999 Protocol on the Mechanism for Conflict Prevention, Management, Resolution, Peacekeeping and Security. As current ECOWAS Chair, President Julius Maada Bio authorized the swift activation of components of the ECOWAS Standby Force.
The mission will include military personnel from Sierra Leone, Nigeria, Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana. According to ECOWAS, the troops will work in coordination with the Government and Republican Army of Benin to help preserve constitutional order, protect territorial integrity and reinforce democratic governance.
This marks the second communiqué from ECOWAS on the unfolding crisis in Benin today, building on an earlier condemnation of the “unconstitutional move” that the bloc described as a “subversion of the will of the people.” The African Union has echoed the sentiment, issuing a strong denunciation of the coup bid.
Background on the Crisis
– The Attempted Coup: Early Sunday, Beninien soldiers appeared on state television announcing the suspension of the constitution, closure of land borders, and seizure of airspace. They claimed to have ousted President Patrice Talon, with Lieutenant-Colonel Tigri Pascal named as head of a military transition council. However, Talon’s office quickly countered that the president was safe, and the regular army had regained control.
– Arrests and Containment: Military sources report that a dozen soldiers have been arrested in connection with the plot, signaling a failed bid. Patrols were observed near key sites like the radio and television headquarters in Cotonou.
– Regional Context: This incident follows a wave of instability in the Sahel, including recent coups in Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger—nations that have since withdrawn from ECOWAS. Benin, a stable democracy under Talon since 2016, now faces heightened political tensions.
ECOWAS has pledged ongoing support and monitoring, with further updates expected as the situation develops. The bloc emphasized its commitment to democratic governance across West Africa, warning against any further disruptions.
