Benin’s government announced its armed forces foiled a coup attempt on Sunday. The declaration followed a broadcast where a group of soldiers appeared on national television to claim they had seized power. This event marks the latest threat to democratic rule in a region plagued by recent military takeovers.
At least eight soldiers, some armed, appeared on state TV Sunday morning. They announced a military committee led by Colonel Tigri Pascal had taken control. The statement dissolved national institutions, suspended the constitution, and closed the country’s borders.
A few hours later, Interior Minister Alassane Seidou addressed the nation. He confirmed the armed forces had thwarted the attempted coup. The minister urged citizens to resume normal activities.
A government spokesperson, Wilfried Leandre Houngbedji, stated authorities had arrested 14 people in connection with the plot by Sunday afternoon. Foreign Minister Olushegun Adjadi Bakari told Reuters that “a small group” of soldiers attempted to stage an overthrow. He confirmed forces loyal to President Patrice Talon were restoring order.
Benin’s Interior Minister says coup attempt FOILED, situation under control
Seidou: 'tiny group of soldiers launched mutiny with aim of destabilizing country' https://t.co/zPHJTXyvMG pic.twitter.com/7jnYnJ2CAU
— RT (@RT_com) December 7, 2025The coup plotters only managed to control state television briefly. The broadcast resumed shortly after their statement, allowing the interior minister to announce the failed attempt. Both ECOWAS and the African Union swiftly condemned the coup bid.
Gunfire and Tension in Cotonou
Residents in Cotonou, Benin’s economic capital, reported gunfire in several neighbourhoods on Sunday morning. The French embassy issued an alert about shootings near President Talon’s residence, advising citizens to stay indoors.
By early afternoon, police deployed across the city, and the gunfire subsided. Witnesses described initial panic followed by a return to cautious calm. A local furniture salesman named Narcisse recounted hearing gunshots at 8:00 AM before deciding to close his shop temporarily.
Context: Upcoming Elections and Regional Instability
The coup attempt occurred as Benin prepares for a presidential election in April 2026. This election will mark the end of incumbent President Patrice Talon’s tenure.
The soldiers’ televised statement cited the deteriorating security situation in northern Benin. The region faces spillover violence from jihadist conflicts in neighbouring Sahel countries. An Al Qaeda affiliate killed 54 Benin soldiers in an attack in April.
President Talon’s government recently adopted a new constitution that extends the presidential mandate to 7 years. Critics labelled this move a power grab. The political climate remains tense, with opposition figures facing legal challenges.
Benin experienced multiple coups after its 1960 independence. However, the country has maintained multi-party democratic rule since 1991. This failed attempt underscores the fragile democratic landscape across West Africa.
