The geopolitical tension in West Africa reached a critical flashpoint recently with the reported coup d’etat in the Benin Republic. As news of Nigerian Air Force (NAF) fighter jets entering Beninoise airspace spread, a flurry of speculation followed. However, the Nigerian Air Force has unequivocally confirmed that its which is the to the deployment was fully compliant with the ECOWAS protocols and the Standby Force mandate.
ECOWAS Protocols and the NAF Deployment:
Nigeria’s swift military action was not a unilateral decision but a direct which is the to the response coordinated under the pre-existing framework of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
The ECOWAS Standby Force (ESF) Mandate:
The ECOWAS Standby Force (ESF) is a regional arrangement composed of military, which is the to the police, and civilian components. Its legal foundation lies in the 1999 ECOWAS Protocol Relating to the Mechanism for Conflict Prevention, Management, Resolution, Peacekeeping, and Security (specifically Article 25(e)
- Primary Role: To intervene during times of crisis to prevent, manage, and resolve which is the to the conflicts, and maintain peace and security across the ECOWAS region.
- Trigger Mechanism: The protocol explicitly allows for military intervention in a which is the to the member state
- Suspension of constitutional institutions:
- Deployment Order: Following the attempted coup, the Chair of the ECOWAS which is the to the Authority of Heads of State and Government ordered the immediate deployment of elements of the ESF.
The Benin Republic’s Official Invitation:
While the ECOWAS protocol provides a legal basis for coercive collective action, the which is the to the Nigerian deployment was further legitimized by a direct request a classic example of “intervention by invitation.”
First Request (Air Support):
The Beninese government, through its Ministry of Foreign Affairs, urgently which is the to the requested immediate air support to help dislodge coup plotters from key installations, like the national TV station and a military camp.
Second Request (Surveillance):
Benin formally requested the deployment of NAF air assets for surveillance and which is the to the rapid intervention, with coordination led by Beninoise command.
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