The Economic Community of West African States has ordered the deployment of the regional Intervention force to Benin Republic.
This is as a result of the failed coup attempt in the French speaking West African state.
Some elements within the Benin Republic military had earlier Sunday morning announced that the military had taken over the government.
The rebel soldiers, led by Lt Col Pascal Tigri, justified their actions by criticising Talon’s management of the country, complaining first about his handling of the “continuing deterioration of the security situation in northern Benin”.
But the military loyal to the democratic government quickly stepped in to quell the uprising.
Reacting to the situation, ECOWAS Heads of States and Government announced the deployment of elements of the ECOWAS Standby Force to the Republic of Benin.
The deployment according to a statement by the regional body is with immediate effect.
The regional force is to support the Government and the Republican Army of Benin to preserve constitutional order and the territorial integrity of the country.
The statement reads: “Further to its earlier statement on the Republic of Benin, the ECOWAS Commission hereby informs the general public that : Pursuant to the provisions of relevant ECOWAS instruments, in particular Article 25(e) of the 1999 Protocol Relating to the Mechanism for Conflict Prevention, Management, Resolution Peacekeeping and Security, and
“after consultation among members of the Mediation and Security Council at the level of Heads of State and Government,
“The Chair of ECOWAS Authority of Heads of state and Government has ordered the deployment of elements of the ECOWAS Standby Force to the Republic of Benin with immediate effect.
“The Regional Force shall be made up of troops from the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Cote Divoire, and Republic of Ghana.
“ The Force shall support the Government and the Republican Army of Benin to preserve constitutional order and the territorial integrity of the Republic of Benin.”
