Benin’s foreign minister has announced that around 200 West African troops, mainly from Nigeria and Côte d’Ivoire, will remain deployed in the country.
The move follows last Sunday’s failed coup attempt, which was thwarted with the support of regional forces.
Foreign Minister Olushegun Adjadi Bakari said the troops, deployed under the banner of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), are taking part in security “sweep and clearance” operations to ensure stability. He praised ECOWAS as a key mechanism for defending democracy in the region.
Nigeria’s foreign minister, Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, said swift coordination between the two countries helped foil the coup attempt.
Discussions are ongoing regarding how long the regional forces will remain in Benin, with any decision to be taken in full coordination with the Beninese government.
The regional military presence comes as ECOWAS hardens its stance against the overthrow of elected governments, following a series of successful coups in neighboring countries.
