Touray Commends Nigeria’s Role In Thwarting Benin Military Takeover

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) on Tuesday praised Nigeria’s role in thwarting the attempted coup in the Benin Republic.

Speaking at the opening of the 55th Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Mediation and Security Council (MSC) at the Ministerial level in Abuja, the President of the ECOWAS Commission, Dr. Omar Alieu Touray, expressed concern that, given the recent insecurity in the subregion, it is not an exaggeration to say that the region is in a state of emergency.

Touray commended Nigeria for its decisive action in preventing the overthrow of democratic governance in the Benin Republic, suggesting that Nigeria deserves a standing ovation from the assembly.

He noted the swift response of Nigeria’s military, which acted quickly to counter the coup plotters, insisting that such rapid intervention should become the standard in the region if democracy is to be safeguarded.

The ECOWAS Commission President stated that it is reasonable to declare the region in a state of emergency amid the current political instability, terrorism, and banditry.

He remarked, “The events of the last few weeks have underscored the need for serious introspection regarding the future of our democracy and the urgent requirement to invest in the security of our community.

“Faced with this situation, Excellencies, it is safe to assert that our community is in a state of emergency. Therefore, the sessions of the Mediation and Security Council should be organized more frequently beyond the two ordinary sessions over the next year. We must confront these threats with the seriousness they warrant.

“We must pool our resources to tackle the threats of terrorism and banditry, which operate without regard for territorial boundaries.”

Touray emphasised the necessity for regular meetings of the Mediation and Security Council beyond the two scheduled sessions over the coming year, highlighting the urgent need to address these threats adequately.

He pointed out the alarming humanitarian figures resulting from insecurity in the subregion, noting the recent data from the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) Regional Bureau for West and Central Africa, which indicates that, as of October 2025, approximately 7.6 million individuals have been forcibly displaced, along with an additional 1,094,742 refugees and asylum seekers.

The ECOWAS President stated that the varying risk levels across the region necessitate immediate and concerted action.

He identified several risk factors, including ongoing military interventions (such as those in Guinea-Bissau and the Republic of Benin just days ago) and non-compliance with transition norms in Guinea, which sees military leaders attempting to evolve into civilian leaders.

Touray also highlighted additional humanitarian challenges, including the growing erosion of electoral inclusivity across multiple states, the expanding influence of terrorists and armed groups, and criminal networks that threaten regional stability.

He underscored the need for ongoing monitoring of political situations within member states, asserting, “This Council must continuously monitor the political and security landscape in our Community to provide guidance and facilitate regional action.”