Speaking on Channel One TV’s Breakfast Daily on Monday, December 8, 2025, the MP highlighted that ECOWAS has demonstrated a stronger and more proactive approach than it has in the past.
He noted that the regional bloc’s quick deployment of troops signals a departure from its usual pattern of merely issuing statements condemning anti-democratic actions without follow-up.
“To some extent, this time around, they have acted promptly. Initially, I thought ECOWAS would issue a statement as they usually do and leave it at that. But their actions now show that they can really act decisively, and that is very positive for democracy in West Africa,” Mr. Fatawu said.
The MP stressed the importance of holding individuals with anti-democratic intentions accountable. He called on ECOWAS to remain firm whenever the constitutional order of any member state is threatened, insisting that swift interventions are necessary to protect citizens and uphold democratic principles.
“We commend ECOWAS for their quick response, and we encourage them to continue taking real action, not just issuing words of condemnation,” he added.
ECOWAS recently authorized the deployment of its Standby Force to Benin to safeguard the country’s constitutional framework and ensure its territorial integrity.
“To some extent, this time around, they have acted promptly. Initially, I thought ECOWAS would issue a statement as they usually do and leave it at that. But their actions now show that they can really act decisively, and that is very positive for democracy in West Africa,” Mr. Fatawu said.
The MP stressed the importance of holding individuals with anti-democratic intentions accountable. He called on ECOWAS to remain firm whenever the constitutional order of any member state is threatened, insisting that swift interventions are necessary to protect citizens and uphold democratic principles.
“We commend ECOWAS for their quick response, and we encourage them to continue taking real action, not just issuing words of condemnation,” he added.
ECOWAS recently authorized the deployment of its Standby Force to Benin to safeguard the country’s constitutional framework and ensure its territorial integrity.
This decision followed consultations by the ECOWAS Mediation and Security Council, consisting of the Heads of State and Government, in line with Article 25(e) of the 1999 Protocol on Conflict Prevention, Management, Resolution, Peacekeeping, and Security.
According to the ECOWAS Commission, the Standby Force will include troops from Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Côte d’Ivoire, and Ghana.
According to the ECOWAS Commission, the Standby Force will include troops from Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Côte d’Ivoire, and Ghana.
The deployment is intended to stabilize the situation in Benin and prevent the escalation of unrest that could undermine democracy and regional security.
Analysts have described this intervention as a clear signal that ECOWAS is willing to enforce democratic norms and take tangible steps when constitutional order is challenged.
Analysts have described this intervention as a clear signal that ECOWAS is willing to enforce democratic norms and take tangible steps when constitutional order is challenged.
The decision to act quickly could serve as a warning to individuals or groups attempting to disrupt governance in the region.
MP Fatawu also underscored the significance of regional cooperation in maintaining peace.
MP Fatawu also underscored the significance of regional cooperation in maintaining peace.
“West African countries must stand together to ensure that democracy is protected. Allowing undemocratic actions to succeed in any country sets a dangerous precedent for the entire region,” he said.
The intervention comes at a time when regional stability is critical, and it highlights the importance of multilateral institutions in preventing political crises.
The intervention comes at a time when regional stability is critical, and it highlights the importance of multilateral institutions in preventing political crises.
ECOWAS’ swift action not only protects Benin’s democracy but also reinforces confidence in the organization’s ability to respond effectively to emergencies.
While the situation in Benin remains fluid, the Yendi MP’s comments reflect widespread approval among observers who view ECOWAS’ intervention as a necessary step to uphold democratic governance.
While the situation in Benin remains fluid, the Yendi MP’s comments reflect widespread approval among observers who view ECOWAS’ intervention as a necessary step to uphold democratic governance.
Citizens across West Africa are watching closely to see how the operation unfolds and whether it will successfully deter future attempts to undermine constitutions in the region.