Benin’s Army Foils Coup Attempt, President Talon Declared Safe

Coup Attempt Sparks Tension in Cotonou

Benin faced a dramatic security crisis on Sunday, December 7, when a group of soldiers appeared on state television announcing that they had seized power and removed President Patrice Talon from office. The mutineers, identifying themselves as the Military Committee for Refoundation (CMR), declared the suspension of the constitution, dissolution of national institutions, and closure of the country’s borders.

The announcement was accompanied by reports of gunfire near Camp Guezo, close to the president’s official residence in Cotonou. Witnesses described soldiers blocking access to the presidential offices and state television, while other parts of the city remained calm, with residents continuing their daily activities.

Government Response and Army Intervention

Interior Minister Alassane Seidou swiftly addressed the nation, describing the events as a “mutiny” aimed at destabilising Benin’s institutions. He confirmed that the Beninese Armed Forces had regained control, foiling the coup attempt. “Faced with this situation, the armed forces and their leadership maintained control and foiled the attempt,” Seidou said.

President Talon’s entourage reassured the public that he was safe, dismissing the coup plotters as “a small group of people who only controlled the television.” Loyalist forces quickly cut the broadcast signal and secured key government sites.

Motives Behind the Coup

The soldiers involved justified their actions by citing grievances over the security situation in northern Benin, where jihadist violence has intensified in recent years. They also accused the government of neglecting fallen soldiers’ families and promoting favoritism within the military ranks.

Colonel Pascal Tigri, reportedly leading the coup attempt, read a statement pledging to usher in “a truly new era, where fraternity, justice and work prevail.” However, the attempt collapsed within hours as loyalist forces reasserted control.

Regional and International Reactions

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) condemned the coup attempt as “unconstitutional” and a “subversion of the will of the Beninese people.” The French Embassy in Cotonou urged its citizens to remain indoors during the unrest, while international observers noted the growing instability across West Africa, where Niger, Burkina Faso, Mali, Guinea, and Guinea-Bissau have all experienced coups or attempted coups in recent years.

Political Context

President Patrice Talon, 67, has led Benin since 2016 and is expected to step down in April 2026 after completing his second term—the constitutional limit. His tenure has been marked by strong economic growth but also accusations of authoritarianism and restrictions on opposition parties. The ruling coalition has already positioned Finance Minister Romuald Wadagni as its candidate for the upcoming election.

Outlook

While the coup attempt was swiftly contained, it underscores the fragility of democratic governance in West Africa. Benin, long considered one of the region’s more stable nations, now joins the growing list of countries grappling with military interventions. For now, the government insists the situation is “under control,” urging citizens to resume normal life.