The plot began early in the morning when a group of soldiers briefly seized the national television station in Cotonou and declared that President Talon had been removed.
The mutiny was led by Lieutenant Colonel Pascal Tigri and a group calling themselves the Military Committee for Refoundation.
The mutiny was led by Lieutenant Colonel Pascal Tigri and a group calling themselves the Military Committee for Refoundation.
During the takeover, the soldiers announced that the constitution was suspended and that all state institutions had been dissolved.
Gunfire was reported near the presidential residence at Camp Guezo, but loyalist forces quickly mobilized to counter the threat.
By midday, Interior Minister Alassane Seidou confirmed that the coup had been foiled. President Talon addressed the nation in the evening, assuring citizens that the situation was fully under control.
By midday, Interior Minister Alassane Seidou confirmed that the coup had been foiled. President Talon addressed the nation in the evening, assuring citizens that the situation was fully under control.
He praised the security forces for their loyalty and efforts to protect the republic, and extended condolences to those affected by the attempted mutiny.
Regional support proved crucial in halting the coup. The Nigerian military intervened after the Benin government requested assistance, deploying fighter jets and ground troops to help dislodge the mutineers from key locations, including the television station and military camps. Nigerian President Bola Tinubu’s office confirmed the intervention.
Authorities reported that 14 people were arrested in connection with the coup attempt, including 12 individuals involved in storming the television offices.
Regional support proved crucial in halting the coup. The Nigerian military intervened after the Benin government requested assistance, deploying fighter jets and ground troops to help dislodge the mutineers from key locations, including the television station and military camps. Nigerian President Bola Tinubu’s office confirmed the intervention.
Authorities reported that 14 people were arrested in connection with the coup attempt, including 12 individuals involved in storming the television offices.
Among them was one former soldier. As of Monday, December 8, Lieutenant Colonel Tigri remained at large.
The coup plotters cited worsening security in northern Benin, where jihadist attacks have intensified in recent years, as one of their motivations.
The coup plotters cited worsening security in northern Benin, where jihadist attacks have intensified in recent years, as one of their motivations.
They also criticized the government for neglecting fallen soldiers and their families, and raised concerns about cuts to healthcare and recent tax increases.
The attempted coup drew swift condemnation from international organizations. The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) ordered the immediate deployment of standby forces from Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Côte d’Ivoire, and Ghana to support stability in Benin.
The attempted coup drew swift condemnation from international organizations. The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) ordered the immediate deployment of standby forces from Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Côte d’Ivoire, and Ghana to support stability in Benin.
The African Union also denounced the coup attempt, reaffirming its commitment to zero tolerance for unconstitutional changes of government.
This incident comes as Benin prepares for presidential elections scheduled for April 2026. President Talon, who has led the country since 2016, plans to step down after completing his second term and has endorsed Finance Minister Romuald Wadagni as his successor.
This incident comes as Benin prepares for presidential elections scheduled for April 2026. President Talon, who has led the country since 2016, plans to step down after completing his second term and has endorsed Finance Minister Romuald Wadagni as his successor.
The attempted coup marks the first military challenge to the government since 1972, highlighting the fragility of security in a region increasingly affected by military interventions.
Neighboring West African countries, including Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger, Guinea, and Guinea-Bissau, have experienced successful coups since 2021, raising concerns about stability in the region.
Neighboring West African countries, including Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger, Guinea, and Guinea-Bissau, have experienced successful coups since 2021, raising concerns about stability in the region.
Benin had previously been considered one of the more stable democracies in West Africa, making this incident particularly alarming for both citizens and international observers.
Despite the disruption, government authorities have reassured the public that democracy remains intact.
Despite the disruption, government authorities have reassured the public that democracy remains intact.
Security forces remain on high alert to prevent further unrest, and ongoing investigations are expected to uncover more details about the plot.
The rapid response by both domestic and regional forces demonstrates the importance of preparedness and cooperation in safeguarding democratic institutions.