A military coup attempt in the Republic of Benin was decisively crushed on Sunday, leading to the arrest of around a dozen soldiers, including the alleged masterminds. The swift action by loyalist forces prevented the overthrow of President Patrice Talon's government.
The Coup Announcement and Swift Response
In the early hours of Sunday, 7 December 2025, a faction of soldiers seized the state broadcaster. Calling themselves the "Military Committee for Refoundation" (CMR), they announced on television that President Patrice Talon had been removed from power.
The group justified their actions by citing deteriorating security in northern Benin, the alleged neglect of families of fallen soldiers, and claims of unfair promotions within the armed forces.
However, their declaration was short-lived. Sources close to the presidency quickly assured the public that President Talon was safe and that the regular army was already reasserting control over the situation.
Arrests and Official Condemnation
Military and security sources confirmed that 13 individuals were arrested in connection with the failed plot. Among the detainees, 12 are active-duty soldiers, while one is a former military personnel.
Benin's Interior Minister, Alassane Seidou, labelled the event a "mutiny with the aim of destabilising the country and its institutions." He praised the Beninese Armed Forces for maintaining control and foiling the attempt.
The incident drew immediate condemnation from regional bodies. The African Union (AU), through its Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, urged the soldiers to cease unlawful actions and return to their barracks. Similarly, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) denounced the move as an unconstitutional subversion of the people's will.
Nigeria's Strategic Military Deployment
In a significant development highlighting regional security concerns, Nigeria deployed fighter aircraft to Benin following the attempted takeover. Security sources confirmed that the jets took off from Lagos on Sunday and were observed operating within Beninese airspace.
A senior security official explained to Zagazola Makama that this was a strategic surveillance operation, not an offensive move. "The aircraft have already arrived in Benin Republic. Nigeria is closely monitoring developments and evaluating potential risks," the official stated, emphasising the action was to safeguard regional stability and national interests.
Context and Aftermath
During the tense hours on Sunday, soldiers were seen blocking access to key points in the economic capital, Cotonou, including the presidency and the state television station. However, the airport and most of the city remained functional, with no widespread military deployment.
This event adds to a worrying trend of political instability in West Africa. Over the past five years, several nations including Mali, Guinea, Burkina Faso, Niger, and Gabon have experienced coups or attempted power grabs.
President Patrice Talon, the 67-year-old former businessman known as the "cotton king of Cotonou," is scheduled to conclude his second and final term in April 2026. While credited with fostering economic growth, his administration has also faced criticism over its democratic credentials.
Security operations continue in Benin as authorities work to fully stabilise the capital and reassert firm control over all state institutions.
