ECOWAS Deploys Standby Force to Benin to Preserve Constitutional Order. By Raymond Enoch
In a bold and swift move to safeguard democracy in West Africa, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has ordered the immediate deployment of its Standby Force to the Republic of Benin. The operation comes amid concerns over threats to the country’s constitutional order.
According to a statement released by the ECOWAS Commission, the decision follows consultations at the highest level of the regional Institution, including Heads of State and Government on the Mediation and Security Council. Citing the authority of Article 25(e) of the 1999 Protocol Relating to the Mechanism for Conflict Prevention, Management, Resolution, Peacekeeping, and Security, ECOWAS emphasized that the deployment is aimed at supporting the Beninese Government and Republican Army in maintaining national stability.
The regional force will comprise troops from Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Côte d’Ivoire, and Ghana, underscoring the collective resolve of West African nations to prevent any subversion of democracy in the region.
“This is a decisive step to protect the sovereignty and constitutional integrity of the Republic of Benin,” the statement said, highlighting ECOWAS’s commitment to peace, security, and democratic governance in the sub-region.
Analysts note that the deployment signals a zero-tolerance stance by ECOWAS against unconstitutional attempts to destabilize member states, and it sends a clear message that the bloc will not hesitate to act to preserve regional stability.
The operation is expected to begin immediately, with troops positioned strategically to support Benin’s authorities and ensure the rule of law is upheld across the nation.
