Since Benin expressed its support for the use of force considered by ECOWAS to restore constitutional order in Niger, Beninese people are questioning the mechanism through which the government plans to send Beninese soldiers for this military intervention. Will the parliament be consulted? The Government Spokesperson has addressed this concern.
Benin will not require authorization from its parliament to send a contingent as part of the military action envisaged by ECOWAS. This was the essence of the response provided to journalists by the Government Spokesperson. While delivering this response, Wilfried Léandre Houngbédji explained the context.
According to the Government Spokesperson, Benin is not in a state of declaring war on Niger. He stated that it’s only in such a context that the government would be obliged to consult the national representation. According to Wilfried Léandre Houngbédji, the current situation involves a specific operation, and therefore, parliamentary authorization is not necessary.
The explanations by the Government Spokesperson are based on the provisions of Article 101 of the Constitution. In paragraphs 1 and 2, the article stipulates: “The declaration of war is authorized by the National Assembly. When, due to exceptional circumstances, the National Assembly cannot sit effectively, the decision to declare war is made in the Council of Ministers by the President of the Republic, who immediately informs the Nation.”
