France Condemns Recent Coups in West Africa, Urges Regional Stability

The French government has formally condemned recent coups and attempted coups in West Africa, emphasizing the threat these events pose to regional stability. Notably, the November 26 coup in Guinea-Bissau and the December 7 attempted coup in Benin have been highlighted by a French representative as undermining democratic order in the region.

France expressed strong support for the mediation efforts led by the African Union and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), praising ECOWAS's decisive role in Benin to restore constitutional governance. The French representative underscored the international community's responsibility to firmly oppose any power grabs and to promote good governance.

The statement also stressed the importance of stability to address ongoing security challenges in the Sahel and Lake Chad basin, where terrorism remains a significant concern. The renewal of the United Nations Office for West Africa and the Sahel (UNOWAS) was discussed, highlighting calls for enhanced resources and more frequent reports to combat misinformation, crucial for maintaining healthy democracy.

In addition, the regional meeting initiated by Sierra Leone was recognized as a vital platform for dialogue to strengthen cooperation against shared security threats. The French representative further emphasized that beyond immediate security issues, stability is essential to tackle broader challenges such as climate change and rapid population growth in West Africa. France reiterated its commitment to working with international partners to support peace and stability in the region.