channel247 online
The ECOWAS Special Envoy on Counter Terrorism, Alhaji Baba Kamara has visited the sub-regional body’s Stabilization Support Mission in Bissau. His visit follows a recent order by the sub-regional body for the deployment of a standby force to Benin following an attempted ouster of President Patrice Talon by a group of disgruntled soldiers over the weekend.
The standby force will include soldiers from Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Cote d’Ivoire and Ghana who will support Benin’s government and army in safeguarding constitutional order and territorial integrity.
In a statement issued after consultation with regional leaders, the bloc said the decision was taken under Article 25(e) of its conflict prevention and security protocol.
ECOWAS had earlier warned it was prepared to act and this new directive confirms that the regional intervention is underway.
Benin’s President Patrice Talon thanked army leaders for helping to defeat an attempted military coup in the West African nation. He also vowed that the mutineers would be punished.
On Sunday morning, a group of soldiers calling themselves the Military Committee for Refoundation took over state television and announced that the government had been dissolved.
Just hours later, the minister of interior said the takeover attempt had been “foiled.”
Talon also expressed his condolences to the victims of “this senseless adventure.” He referred to “those still being held by the fleeing mutineers,” and said everything will be done to find them “safe and sound.” He did not provide figures on casualties or hostages.
Thirteen soldiers have been arrested, according to local media, but it’s unclear whether the coup leader, Lt Col Pascal Tigri, was among them.
Source:channel247online.com
Rafiq Adam
