The Economic Community of West African States has condemned the attempted military takeover in the Benin Republic, describing the development as unconstitutional.

In a statement on Sunday, the commission said the attempted military coup represented a subversion of the will of the people of the country.

“ECOWAS Commission has received with consternation reports of an attempted military takeover in the Republic of Benin,” ECOWAS stated.

While saluting the combined efforts of the government and the armed forces in bringing the situation under control, the commission called for the full respect of the Beninese constitution.

ECOWAS further pledged support for the country’s government, including the deployment of the regional standby force, to defend the country’s territorial integrity.

“ECOWAS will support the government and the people in all forms necessary, including deployment of the regional standby force, to defend the constitution and the territory of Benin,” the commission added.

A group of soldiers, led by Lieutenant-Colonel Tigri Pascal, had announced a sudden takeover of the government in what appeared to be an apparent coup in the early hours of Sunday, ousting President Patrice Talon, who was expected to complete his second term next year.

However, Mr Talon’s government later confirmed that the attempted coup was thwarted by soldiers loyal to the president, adding that everything had returned to normal.