The Republic of Benin became the latest West African nation to face a military takeover attempt this past Sunday, adding to a concerning regional pattern. The incident, which has been described by authorities as a failed coup, unfolded near the presidential residence in the economic capital.
Gunshots and a Televised Announcement
The first signs of trouble came from Camp Guézo, a military barracks located close to President Patrice Talon's official home. The French Embassy swiftly alerted its citizens in the country, reporting gunfire and advising them to remain indoors for safety. The group behind the action, consisting of approximately eight soldiers, identified themselves as the "Military Committee for Refoundation" (CMR).
Their leader, Lieutenant-Colonel Pascal Tigri, took to the airwaves of Benin's national television station to declare the coup. In the broadcast, one of the soldiers stated, "The army solemnly commits to give the Beninese people the hope of a truly new era, where fraternity, justice and work prevail." This brief seizure of the state broadcaster initially led to speculation that the takeover might have succeeded.
A Swift Return to Loyalist Control
However, the Beninese government moved quickly to dispel those reports. Foreign Minister Olushegun Adjadi Bakari informed the Reuters news agency that the coup attempt had been thwarted. "There is an attempt, but the situation is under control," Bakari said. "Now it's a small group of military. A large part of the army is still loyalist, and we are taking over the situation."
The country's presidency, communicating with the AFP news agency, confirmed that the plotters' influence was limited to the television station. "This is a small group of people who only control the television. The regular army is regaining control. The city and the country are completely secure," the statement assured. This confirmed that the Benin coup was ultimately unsuccessful, with loyalist forces reasserting authority.
A Continent Grappling with Military Takeovers
This event in Benin is part of a significant and troubling trend across Africa, where military rule has seen a resurgence. Currently, around seven African nations are under the control of military juntas or governments that took power by force.
The list includes:
- Mali
- Burkina Faso
- Niger
- Guinea
- Sudan
- Gabon
- Guinea-Bissau
The most recent successful coup in the region happened in Guinea-Bissau on November 26, where military officers announced the overthrow of President Umaro Sissoco Embaló. Interestingly, that event has been shrouded in controversy, with some, including Senegal's Prime Minister and former Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan, suggesting it was a "fake coup" orchestrated by the ousted leader himself. This follows other takeovers in Gabon and Niger earlier in the year, and two coups in Burkina Faso during 2022.
The failed attempt in Benin underscores the ongoing political instability in a region where democratic governance continues to face severe challenges from within military ranks.
