ECOWAS appoints Akufo-Addo to lead election observation mission in Benin

Africa, Politics

ABUJA, NIGERIA (NPA) — 27 March 2026 — The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has appointed H.E. Nana Akufo-Addo as Head of its Election Observation Mission (EOM) to the forthcoming presidential election in the Republic of Benin, scheduled for 12 April 2026.

The appointment was conveyed by the President of the ECOWAS Commission, H.E. Dr Omar Alieu Touray. It reflects the Community’s enduring commitment to democracy, good governance and regional stability.

According to a statement from ECOWAS on Friday, the mission will be deployed from 7 to 15 April 2026, in line with the ECOWAS Supplementary Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance (2001). This protocol provides the legal and normative framework for election observation across the region.

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Through this deployment, ECOWAS reaffirms its confidence in Benin’s democratic process and calls on all stakeholders to uphold peace, tolerance and the rule of law.

The choice of former President Akufo-Addo underscores the Community’s reliance on experienced and respected leaders to guide Member States in conducting peaceful, transparent and credible elections.

All eyes are now firmly on the Republic of Benin, following the failed coup attempt of 7 December 2025, when rogue elements of the armed forces sought to overthrow President Patrice Talon’s government in Cotonou. The attempt was swiftly repelled by loyalist forces, aided by ECOWAS standby troops, and calm was restored within days.

The forthcoming presidential election is therefore viewed as a crucial test of resilience for Benin’s democratic institutions. It carries significant weight not only for the country’s stability but also for the wider West African region, where the outcome will be closely watched as a measure of democratic strength in the face of recent upheaval.