Authorities in the West African nation of Benin announced they have successfully foiled a military coup attempt that unfolded on Sunday, December 7, 2025. The announcement came from the country's interior minister, though the situation remained tense with reports of sporadic gunfire in the administrative capital.
Mutiny Announced and Swiftly Thwarted
In the early hours of Sunday, a faction of soldiers appeared on Benin's state television, declaring the dissolution of the government and all state institutions. The group, calling itself the Military Committee for Refoundation (CMR), announced the removal of President Patrice Talon and appointed Lieutenant Colonel Pascal Tigri as the head of their military committee.
However, the attempted takeover was short-lived. Benin's Interior Minister, Alassane Seidou, stated in a video posted to Facebook that the mutiny had been "foiled." He described the event as an action by a "small group of soldiers" aimed at destabilizing the state. The Beninese Armed Forces remained loyal to the republic, according to the minister's statement.
Uncertainty and Calm in Cotonou
Despite the government's claim of control, the situation on the ground was initially unclear. Gunshots were heard in parts of Cotonou, particularly around the presidential residence. There was no immediate official word on the whereabouts or condition of President Patrice Talon following these reports.
Local media, citing sources close to the presidency, reported the arrest of 13 soldiers involved in the coup attempt. It remained unknown whether the alleged coup leader, Lt. Col. Pascal Tigri, had been apprehended. While soldiers were seen patrolling key locations, the city was reported to have returned to a state of relative calm after the initial announcement. State television and public radio signals, which were initially cut off, were restored.
Regional Condemnation and Political Context
The regional economic bloc, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), swiftly condemned the coup bid. In a strong statement, ECOWAS denounced the "unconstitutional move" and pledged to support the government and people of Benin in defending the constitution and territorial integrity.
This incident is the latest in a series of military takeovers that have destabilized West Africa in recent years. Benin itself has a history of political instability post-independence from France in 1960, though it has enjoyed relative stability since 1991. President Talon, in power since 2016, is due to step down after the presidential election scheduled for April of the coming year. The attempt comes just months after the country's legislature extended the presidential term from five to seven years and follows a January 2025 case where two associates of Talon were sentenced to 20 years in prison for an alleged 2024 coup plot.
