Apparent Coup Attempt Rocks Benin Amidst Regional Instability
Benin, a West African nation historically known for its relative political stability since the early 1990s, was plunged into uncertainty on Sunday, December 7, 2025, following an apparent military coup attempt. A group of soldiers appeared on state television, declaring the dissolution of the government and all state institutions. However, this announcement was swiftly met with counterclaims from the government, asserting that loyalist forces had regained control and the situation was under wraps.
Soldiers Announce Takeover
The group of soldiers, identifying themselves as the “Military Committee for Refoundation” (CMR), broadcast their declaration on Benin’s state television. Led by Lieutenant Colonel Pascal Tigri, the soldiers announced the removal of President Patrice Talon and all state institutions. Their statement, read by one of the uniformed men, solemnly committed to giving the Beninese people “the hope of a truly new era, where fraternity, justice and work prevail.”
The CMR further declared the suspension of the constitution, the dissolution of all institutions, and the suspension of political party activities until further notice. They also announced the closure of the country’s land, sea, and air borders. The broadcast followed reports of gunshots heard around the presidential residence in Cotonou, the nation’s largest city, and the subsequent cutting of signals to state television and public radio.
Government Reasserts Authority
In the immediate aftermath of the soldiers’ announcement, conflicting reports emerged. Wilfried Houngbedji, the spokesperson for the Benin Government, initially told The Associated Press that “Everything is fine,” without elaborating. However, as the situation developed, the government provided a more detailed counter-narrative.
Foreign Minister Olushegun Adjadi Bakari informed Reuters that loyalist soldiers and national guards had successfully regained control. He characterized the coup attempt as the work of a “small group of military” and emphasized that a “large part of the army is still loyalist.” Bakari also clarified that the plotters had only managed to control state television for a few minutes before the signal was cut. The president’s office, speaking to AFP, confirmed that President Patrice Talon was safe and that the regular army was in the process of fully securing the city and the country.
Political Tensions and Regional Context
The apparent coup attempt in Benin comes amidst a period of heightened political tension within the country and a broader wave of military takeovers across West Africa. President Patrice Talon, a former businessman, has been in power since 2016 and was scheduled to step down in April 2026, adhering to the two-term limit. His ruling party had already nominated former Finance Minister Romuald Wadagni as its preferred candidate for the upcoming presidential election, while opposition candidate Renaud Agbodjo was rejected by the electoral commission due to insufficient sponsors.
Critics of Talon’s administration have pointed to an alleged “authoritarian style” of governance. In January 2025, two of Talon’s associates were sentenced to 20 years in prison for an alleged coup plot in 2024. Furthermore, just last month, the country’s legislature extended the presidential term of office from five to seven years, though maintaining the two-term limit.
Benin’s history since its independence from France in 1960 has seen multiple coups, particularly in its early decades, before a period of political stability from 1991 under Mathieu Kérékou. This latest incident, if confirmed as a coup, would mark a significant departure from its recent democratic trajectory.
The event also underscores a troubling trend in West Africa, where military takeovers have become increasingly frequent. This incident is the latest in a string of nine military coups that have rocked the region since 2020. Just last month, a military coup in Guinea-Bissau removed former President Umaro Embalo after a contested election. Other nations like Mali, Guinea, Burkina Faso, Niger, and Gabon have also experienced military interventions in recent years, casting a shadow over democratic progress in the sub-region.
Uncertainty Lingers
While the Beninese government maintains that the situation is under control and President Talon is safe, the initial announcement by the Military Committee for Refoundation has created significant unease. The swift and contradictory reports highlight the fluid and uncertain nature of the political landscape in Benin, as the international community watches closely for further developments.
