The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has announced the deployment of its Standby Force to the Republic of Benin, in a decisive move aimed at supporting the preservation of constitutional order and safeguarding the country’s territorial integrity.

The decision follows consultations among members of the ECOWAS Mediation and Security Council at the level of Heads of State and Government, and is grounded in Article 25(e) of the 1999 Protocol on Conflict Prevention, Management, Resolution, Peacekeeping, and Security.

In a statement issued on Sunday, December 7, 2025, the Commission said the deployment was ordered by the Chair of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government.

According to the directive, the regional force will consist of troops drawn from Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Côte d’Ivoire, and Ghana.

ECOWAS noted that the deployed units will work in support of the Government and the Republican Army of Benin to maintain stability and protect constitutional governance as the country faces heightened political and security tensions.

The statement did not disclose the exact size of the force or operational timelines, but emphasized the urgency of the deployment, describing it as taking “immediate effect.”

The move reinforces ECOWAS’ long-standing commitment to regional peace and stability, particularly in responding swiftly to threats against democratic governance in any of its member states.

The ECOWAS Commission added that further updates would be communicated as the situation evolves.

This follows an announcement by soldiers of the suspension of the constitution, the closure of all land borders, as well as the country’s airspace. Soldiers in the West African nation of Benin announced on national TV that they have ousted President Patrice Talon and seized power.

According to their statement issued on Sunday, December 7, Lieutenant-Colonel Tigri Pascal will be leading a military transition council.

They justified their actions by criticising President Talon’s management of the country.