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COTONOU, BENIN—A swift and dramatic day of uncertainty in Benin has concluded with the government declaring that a coup attempt, which saw rebel soldiers briefly seize state television, has been successfully “foiled” by loyalist forces. The incident, marked by reports of gunfire and a sudden televised broadcast, has captured global attention and serves as the latest reminder of democratic fragility in West Africa.
The Day’s Events: TV Takeover and Clashes
The attempt unfolded in the early hours of Sunday, December 7, 2025, when a group of at least eight uniformed soldiers appeared on Benin’s state broadcaster, ORTB. Identifying themselves as the Military Committee for Refoundation (CMR), they announced the dissolution of all state institutions, the suspension of the constitution, and the removal of President Patrice Talon from power. They named Lieutenant Colonel Pascal Tigri as the head of the new military committee.
Gunshots Reported: The broadcast followed earlier reports of gunfire heard around Camp Guezo, near the official presidential residence in Cotonou, the country’s economic hub. The French Embassy advised its citizens to remain indoors.
Government’s Response: Within hours, the government pushed back. Interior Minister Alassane Seidou confirmed the incident in a video statement, calling it a “mutiny” by a “small group of soldiers.” He asserted that the Beninese Armed Forces, remaining “faithful to their oath,” had thwarted the maneuver and regained control of the situation.
Arrests and Restoration: State television and radio signals, which were cut following the rebels’ announcement, were later restored. Government spokespeople confirmed that at least 14 people, including active-duty soldiers, have been arrested in connection with the failed coup. President Talon’s safety was confirmed by his office, although his exact whereabouts were not officially disclosed immediately.
Why the Coup Attempt?
While the government has dismissed the plotters as a “small group” with limited influence, the soldiers of the CMR cited several grievances to justify their attempted takeover.
The stated reasons included:
Management of the Country: General dissatisfaction with President Talon’s administration.
Military Favoritism: Allegations of bias and favoritism within the armed forces.
Social Concerns: Issues such as cuts to healthcare, increased taxes, and restrictions on political activities.
Security Deterioration: Concern over the worsening security situation in northern Benin, a region facing rising jihadist violence.
A Regional Context
The attempted coup in Benin is the latest in a troubling wave of military interventions and takeovers that have swept across West Africa, earning the region the moniker of a “Coup Belt.”
Recent Precedents: Successful coups have recently occurred in neighboring countries like Niger and Burkina Faso, as well as in Mali, Guinea, and just last month in Guinea-Bissau.
Democratic Fragility: Benin, once celebrated as one of West Africa’s most stable democracies after its transition from military rule in the 1990s, has seen observers voice increasing concerns over its democratic backsliding under President Talon, who has been in power since 2016.
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the African Union have strongly condemned the attempt, reiterating their zero-tolerance stance for any unconstitutional change of government.
The situation in Cotonou is reportedly calm but cautious, as the government works to fully restore order and investigate the full scope of the plot.
