The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has announced the deployment of its Standby Force to the Republic of Benin, citing the need to uphold constitutional order and protect the country’s territorial integrity.

The move follows an emergency meeting of the ECOWAS Mediation and Security Council at the level of Heads of State and Government. It is grounded in Article 25(e) of the 1999 Protocol on Conflict Prevention, Management, Resolution, Peacekeeping, and Security.

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

Troops will be drawn from Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Côte d’Ivoire, and Ghana, and will operate in coordination with the Government and Republican Army of Benin.

ECOWAS said the deployment takes “immediate effect” and aims to help restore stability amid rising political and security tensions. No details were provided on the size of the force or operational timelines.

The regional bloc stressed its commitment to defending democratic governance across member states and pledged to provide further updates as the situation develops.

The announcement comes hours after a group of soldiers appeared on national television to declare they had suspended the constitution, closed land borders and airspace, and ousted President Patrice Talon.

Lieutenant-Colonel Tigri Pascal has been named head of a newly formed military transition council. The group cited dissatisfaction with President Talon’s leadership as justification for the takeover.