Benin's failed coup will likely heighten political tensions and undermine counterterrorism operations in the country ahead of its 2026 presidential elections, while ECOWAS's rapid intervention -- driven by Nigeria and with French backing -- signals a potential shift toward Abuja taking greater leadership over regional security matters. On the evening of Dec. 7, the Economic Community of West African States, or ECOWAS, announced the immediate deployment of a standby force to Benin comprising troops from Nigeria, Ghana, Cote d'Ivoire and Sierra Leone. This came after mutineers led by the head of Benin's Special Forces Group, Lt. Colonel Pascal Tigri, announced earlier in the day on state media the removal of Beninese President Patrice Talon from power, the suspension of the constitution and the dissolution of state institutions. However, a significant portion of Beninese security forces remained loyal to Talon, who announced in the evening of Dec. 7 that the situation...
