The government of Benin declared on Sunday, 7 December 2025, that it had successfully foiled an attempted military coup. The announcement came after a group of soldiers appeared on national television to declare they had overthrown President Patrice Talon.
Televised Declaration and Swift Government Response
In the early hours of Sunday, soldiers identifying as the "Military Committee for Refoundation" (CMR) took control of the state broadcaster. On air, eight armed soldiers proclaimed that President Talon had been removed from office. They installed a lieutenant colonel as the head of their committee.
The group justified their actions by citing several grievances. These included the "continuous deterioration of the security situation" in northern Benin, alleged neglect of soldiers killed in action and their families, and what they called unjust promotions within the military ranks.
However, the government's response was swift. A source close to President Talon quickly informed news agencies that the 67-year-old leader was safe and secure. The source dismissed the plotters as "a small group of people who only control the television."
Situation on the Ground in Cotonou
By midday in the economic capital, Cotonou, the situation remained tense but contained. Reports confirmed gunfire was heard in some areas. Soldiers were seen blocking access to key locations, including:
- The presidential offices and residence.
- The headquarters of state television.
- The five-star Sofitel hotel and districts housing international institutions.
Despite these blockades, the regular army was reported to be regaining full control. Notably, the international airport and most of the city functioned normally, with residents in many areas going about their daily business.
Interior Minister Alassane Seidou labelled the event a "mutiny" aimed at destabilising the nation. He confirmed that the Beninese Armed Forces had maintained control and thwarted the attempt.
Regional Context and Political Backdrop
This incident occurs within a volatile regional climate. West Africa has witnessed several coups in recent years, affecting Benin's neighbours Niger and Burkina Faso, as well as Mali, Guinea, and Guinea-Bissau.
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) swiftly condemned the soldiers' actions, calling them unconstitutional and a subversion of the people's will.
President Talon, a former businessman known as the "cotton king," is due to complete his second and final term in April 2026, after a decade marked by economic growth but also rising jihadist violence. The upcoming election has been controversial, with the main opposition party excluded from the race.
While credited with fostering development, Talon's administration has faced frequent accusations of authoritarianism from critics. Benin itself has a political history punctuated by coups and attempted power grabs since gaining independence from France in 1960.
