President Bio Oversees ECOWAS Plan to Send Troops to Benin

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), under the leadership of Chairman President Julius Maada Bio of Sierra Leone, has ordered the immediate deployment of its Standby Force to the Republic of Benin following the country’s recent military takeover.

The move underscores ECOWAS’s commitment to preserving constitutional order and regional stability.

In a statement released from Abuja, ECOWAS confirmed that troops from Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Côte d’Ivoire, and Ghana will participate in the regional force. The deployment is aimed at supporting the Beninese authorities in safeguarding constitutional governance and the nation’s territorial integrity.

The decision follows consultations among members of the Mediation and Security Council at the level of Heads of State and Government, in accordance with ECOWAS protocols on conflict prevention, management, and regional security.

Chairman President Bio’s directive signals a decisive response to the political crisis in Benin and highlights ECOWAS’s proactive role in addressing unconstitutional changes of government. Regional leaders have affirmed that the Standby Force will act to maintain stability, prevent escalation, and protect citizens amid the ongoing situation.

The deployment also sends a clear message across West Africa that ECOWAS remains steadfast in upholding democracy and the rule of law, particularly amid rising political instability in the region.