Benin’s President Patrice Talon condemned an attempted coup on December 7, 2025, that was thwarted by the country’s military. This incident unfolded in the capital, Cotonou, where sporadic gunfire erupted as a group of soldiers attempted to seize power. The soldiers, who identified themselves as the Military Committee for Refoundation, briefly appeared on state television to announce the dissolution of the current government.
In a televised address, Talon expressed his condolences to the victims of the coup attempt and assured the public that efforts were underway to locate any hostages taken by the fleeing mutineers. His comments marked his first public response since the chaotic events began. “I assure them that we will do everything in our power to find them safe and sound,” he stated.
The Interior Minister, Alassane Seidou, confirmed that the coup attempt had been “foiled” and praised the Beninese Armed Forces for their loyalty to the republic. “In the early morning, a small group of soldiers launched a mutiny to destabilize the state and its institutions,” Seidou said. He did not disclose any information regarding casualties or the number of hostages taken.
The turmoil in Benin is part of a broader pattern in West Africa, where military coups have surged in recent years. Just last month, a coup in Guinea-Bissau resulted in the ousting of former President Umaro Embalo amid electoral disputes.
Regional and International Responses
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has responded to the situation by ordering the deployment of troops from Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Ivory Coast, and Ghana to support Benin’s military. ECOWAS labeled the attempted coup as “a subversion of the will of the people of Benin.”
Nigerian President Bola Tinubu commended his country’s armed forces for their swift action in assisting Benin. According to a statement from the Nigerian government, requests for air and ground support were made by Benin’s government, resulting in loyal forces regaining control after several hours of conflict.
Local reports indicated that around thirteen soldiers involved in the coup have been arrested, although it remains uncertain if the coup leader, Lt. Col. Pascal Tigri, has been apprehended. Gunfire could be heard in various locations across Cotonou, but the situation has stabilized since the initial announcement of the coup attempt.
Political Landscape and Stability Concerns
Benin has a history of political instability, marked by multiple coups since gaining independence from France in 1960. However, the nation has enjoyed a period of relative stability since the early 1990s, following the two-decade rule of Marxist-Leninist leader Mathieu Kerékou. Talon has been in power since 2016 and is set to step down in April 2026 after the upcoming presidential elections.
Former Finance Minister Romuald Wadagni is seen as the frontrunner to succeed Talon. Meanwhile, opposition candidate Renaud Agbodjo was disqualified by the electoral commission due to insufficient support. This political tension, coupled with recent events, raises concerns about the future of governance in Benin.
As the situation unfolds, the international community is closely monitoring developments in Benin, highlighting the need for dialogue and a commitment to democratic processes in the region. The restoration of order is crucial not only for Benin but for the stability of West Africa as a whole.
