Had last week's coup attempt in Benin been successful, it would have become the ninth to take hold in the region in the last five years alone.
Only days after soldiers took power in Guinea-Bissau while a presidential election vote count was still under way, the leaders of the West African grouping Ecowas swiftly concluded that the attempted overthrow of President Patrice Talon was one destabilising step too far.
Nigerian warplanes engaged attacking soldiers at various crucial locations, while ground troops from Ghana, Nigeria, Ivory Coast, and Sierra Leone were deployed to reinforce the defense of constitutional order.
This immediate response highlights a notable lesson learned from previous regional coups, where slower reactions allowed coup leaders to consolidate power and popular support.
Benin's situation differed markedly from other countries in the region that have faced similar threats, as the attempted coup was met with widespread opposition from the citizenry who preferred political engagement over military intervention.
While grievances exist against Talon's government, especially concerning political exclusions, the popular sentiment in Cotonou has traditionally resisted forced changes, allowing Ecowas to act decisively in support of Benin's constitutional democracy.
