Attempted Coup in Benin Foiled by Armed Forces, Government Says

On Sunday, December 7, 2025, the West African nation of Benin faced a significant threat to its political stability. An attempted military coup was announced by a group of soldiers on state television, only to be declared "foiled" hours later by the country's interior minister. The incident, which unfolded in the administrative capital of Cotonou, highlights the ongoing challenges to democratic governance in a region that has witnessed a spate of military takeovers in recent years.

The Coup Announcement and Government Response

In the early hours of Sunday morning, a group of soldiers calling themselves the Military Committee for Refoundation appeared on Benin's state television to announce the dissolution of the government in what appeared to be a coup attempt. The group declared the removal of President Patrice Talon and all state institutions, appointing Lt. Col. Pascal Tigri as president of the military committee. This announcement came as the latest in a series of military interventions that have shaken West Africa.

The government's response was swift. Interior Minister Alassane Seidou released a video statement on Facebook declaring that the coup had been "foiled." He stated, "In the early morning of Sunday, Dec. 7, 2025, a small group of soldiers launched a mutiny with the aim of destabilizing the state and its institutions. Faced with this situation, the Beninese Armed Forces and their leadership, true to their oath, remained committed to the republic." This official statement suggested that the military leadership had remained loyal to the constitutional government.

On-the-Ground Situation and Arrests

Despite the government's declaration that the coup had been foiled, the situation on the ground remained tense. Sporadic gunshots were reported in parts of Cotonou, particularly around the presidential residence. Soldiers were seen patrolling key locations throughout the city. There was no immediate word from President Patrice Talon following the reports of gunfire near his residence, creating uncertainty about his exact whereabouts and safety during the incident.

Local media outlets, citing sources close to the presidency, reported that 13 soldiers who participated in the coup attempt had been arrested. However, it remained unclear whether Lt. Col. Pascal Tigri, the identified coup leader, had been apprehended. The signal to state television and public radio, which had been cut off during the initial coup announcement, was reportedly restored, suggesting government forces had regained control of key communication infrastructure.

Regional and Historical Context

The coup attempt in Benin occurs against a backdrop of political instability in West Africa. The regional bloc, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), quickly condemned the coup bid. In an official statement, ECOWAS declared, "ECOWAS strongly condemns this unconstitutional move that represents a subversion of the will of the people of Benin. ... ECOWAS will support the Government and the people in all forms necessary to defend the Constitution and the territorial integrity of Benin."

Benin has experienced multiple coups throughout its history, particularly in the decades following its independence from France in 1960. However, since 1991, the country has been relatively politically stable following the two-decade rule of Marxist-Leninist Mathieu Kérékou and the establishment of democratic processes. This attempted coup represents a concerning regression in a nation that had become seen as a relatively stable democracy in the region.

Political Implications and Upcoming Elections

The timing of the coup attempt is particularly significant given Benin's political calendar. President Patrice Talon, who has been in power since 2016, is due to step down in April 2026 following presidential elections. Talon's party has selected former Finance Minister Romuald Wadagni as its candidate, who is considered the favorite to win the election. Meanwhile, opposition candidate Renaud Agbodjo was rejected by the electoral commission on grounds of insufficient sponsors.

This incident follows other recent political developments in Benin. In January 2025, two associates of President Talon were sentenced to 20 years in prison for an alleged 2024 coup plot. Additionally, last month, the country's legislature extended the presidential term of office from five to seven years while maintaining the two-term limit. These developments have contributed to the tense political atmosphere in which this coup attempt occurred.

Conclusion: Stability Restored but Challenges Remain

While the Benin government has declared the coup attempt foiled and appears to have restored order in Cotonou, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of democratic institutions in West Africa. The quick response from ECOWAS demonstrates regional commitment to constitutional governance, but the underlying tensions that give rise to such coup attempts must be addressed. As Benin approaches its presidential transition in 2026, maintaining stability and ensuring a peaceful democratic transfer of power will be crucial for the nation's future and for regional security. The resilience shown by Benin's armed forces in remaining loyal to constitutional authority offers hope that democratic norms can withstand such challenges.