Benin coup attempt highlights Nigeria's declining regional influence

DW
DW
2h ago
4 views
Benin's foiled coup uncovered Nigeria's declining regional power amid internal crises, weakening ECOWAS influence.
Benin coup attempt highlights Nigeria's declining regional influence
A What happened
The coup attempt in Benin was rapidly crushed with help from Nigeria and France, but it exposed Nigeria's waning regional power. Once a dominant regional actor and peacekeeper, Nigeria now faces serious domestic insurgencies and economic difficulties that force it to prioritize internal security over external interventions. This decline undermines ECOWAS's capacity to enforce democratic norms and respond effectively to unconstitutional power changes in West Africa. The reduced Nigerian influence has created space for foreign mercenaries, like the Wagner Group, to gain footholds, further destabilizing the region and challenging Nigeria's historically pro-Western stance.
★

Key insights

  • 1

    Nigeria's internal crises limit regional security role: Nigeria's escalating Islamist insurgencies and criminal banditry overstretch its military, constraining its ability to intervene decisively in neighboring countries' conflicts.

  • 2

    Decline undermines ECOWAS enforcement capacity: With Nigeria’s diminished leadership and funding, ECOWAS struggles to implement sanctions or military responses, weakening collective West African efforts to uphold democratic governance.

  • 3

    Power vacuum invites foreign mercenary influence: Nigeria's retreat has created openings for actors like Russia's Wagner Group to expand, complicating regional security dynamics and challenging pro-Western policies.

Takeaways

The Benin coup attempt underscores Nigeria's declining influence and the regional security vacuum, complicating efforts to stabilize West Africa amid rising political and militant threats.

Topics

World & Politics Policy & Regulation International Affairs Conflicts Security & Defense

Read the full article on DW