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Foreign news.
The African Union (AU) has strongly condemned Sunday’s attempted military coup in the Republic of Benin, describing it as a brazen and unacceptable violation of the continent’s democratic principles.
A group of soldiers had earlier announced that they had seized power, declaring themselves the “Military Committee for Refoundation,” claiming to have removed the president and all political office holders while dissolving state institutions.
However, within hours, the Benin presidency confirmed that President Patrice Talon was safe, adding that loyal security forces were restoring control.
The presidency dismissed the incident as the handiwork of “a small group of people who only control the television,” insisting that the state remained intact.
In a statement, Chairperson of the AU Commission, Mahmoud Yousouf, said the attempted takeover “unequivocally” contravenes the AU’s frameworks against unconstitutional changes of government.
He referenced several foundational instruments, including the AU Constitutive Act (2000), the Lomé Declaration (2000), the African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance (2007), and the Ezulwini Framework (2009).
According to the AU,all of the instruments reject military intervention and uphold constitutional order as the cornerstone of stability in Africa.
Yousouf described any form of military interference in political processes as a “grave violation of the fundamental principles and values of the African Union.”
He urged the soldiers involved to cease all unlawful activities immediately, respect the constitution of Benin, and return to their barracks without delay.
The AU chairperson further encouraged national stakeholders to embrace unity, dialogue, and peace as the country navigates the aftermath of the failed takeover attempt.
Edited by Dada Ahmed.
