🇧🇯 Attempted Coup in Benin Foiled by Government Forces

Cotonou / Porto-Novo — December 7, 2025 — A group of soldiers in Benin announced on state television that they had deposed President Patrice Talon and dissolved the government, but the attempt was swiftly quashed after loyalist forces regained control. 

🔹 What Happened

In the early hours of Sunday, a faction of the military led by Pascal Tigri claimed to have launched a coup, declaring the formation of a “Military Committee for Refoundation.” On live state TV, they announced the removal of President Talon, the suspension of the constitution, dissolution of institutions and political parties, and the closure of all borders.  Gunfire was reported in parts of the economic capital, Cotonou — particularly near the presidential residence and the naval/port areas — triggering alarm among residents. 

🔹 Government Response: Coup Foiled

Within hours, the government announced that loyal armed forces had regained control. According to Interior Minister Alassane Seidou, the mutiny had been suppressed and the situation was “under control.”  The foreign minister confirmed that the rebel soldiers only managed to seize the state broadcaster; they failed to take the presidential residence or other major institutions.  The signal to state-run TV and radio was restored, and authorities have urged calm while reassuring that security forces remain loyal to the constitutional order. 

🔹 Context — A Region Under Strain

The attempted coup comes amid a wave of political instability in West Africa, where several neighboring countries have recently seen successful or attempted coups. Some analysts link the unrest to growing fears over contested term-limits, rising insecurity, and institutional distrust. 

For Benin — often considered one of West Africa’s more stable democracies — the episode raises serious questions about political stability and the resilience of democratic institutions at a delicate moment: President Talon is expected to leave office in 2026, following constitutional term limits.