Did Benin’s foiled coup strengthen ECOWAS’s influence in West Africa?

On December 7, soldiers in Benin attempted a coup but were thwarted by the loyalist forces of President Patrice Talon, aided by Nigeria, preventing another government takeover in West Africa. This incident highlighted the evolving role of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), which sought to assert its influence after criticism for its inaction during previous crises. The region has faced a series of coups since 2020, undermining democratic governance. ECOWAS’s response in Benin represents a significant shift in its approach to maintaining stability in West Africa.