COTONOU, Benin – December 7, 2025 – Benin’s armed forces have stopped a Benin coup attempt after a small group of soldiers claimed on national television that they had seized control of the government. Officials confirmed that President Patrice Talon remains in power and that order has been fully restored.”
A group of at least eight soldiers went on state TV early Sunday, announcing that they were dissolving national institutions, suspending the constitution, and closing the country’s borders. They said Lieutenant-Colonel Tigri Pascal would lead a military transition council. “The army commits to give the Beninese people hope for a new era of justice, fraternity, and work,” the soldiers declared.
However, Interior Minister Alassane Seidou quickly confirmed that the attempted Benin coup attempt had failed. Loyal armed forces backed President Talon, and the government urged citizens to continue their daily activities. Foreign Minister Olushegun Adjadi Bakari emphasized that only a small group of soldiers had attempted the takeover and that they controlled only state television.
Gunfire was reported in several neighborhoods of Cotonou, Benin’s largest city, and residents were advised to stay home. The French and Russian embassies, as well as the U.S. embassy, issued safety warnings for their citizens.
This coup attempt comes as the country prepares for a presidential election in April 2026, which will mark the end of President Talon’s second term. Talon, 67, a prominent businessman often called the “king of cotton,” has overseen economic growth but also faced criticism for constitutional changes extending terms and limiting opposition participation.
The soldiers who attempted the coup cited security issues in northern Benin and grievances over the treatment of fallen soldiers. The country has experienced increasing jihadist activity, with groups linked to al-Qaeda and Islamic State affecting neighboring nations. In April, a northern attack by an al-Qaeda affiliate killed 54 soldiers.
Benin has a history of political stability since 1991, despite multiple coups in the decades following independence from France in 1960. This recent coup attempt reflects a troubling trend in West Africa, where military takeovers have increased in neighboring countries including Niger, Burkina Faso, Mali, and Guinea-Bissau.
President Talon’s government has acted quickly to reassure citizens. Helicopters patrolled Cotonou, and roads were blocked with a heavy military presence. Government sources confirmed that the situation is now under control and the majority of the army remains loyal.
This foiled Benin coup highlights ongoing security challenges and political tensions in the region as the nation approaches a critical election period.
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