The African Union has strongly condemned a failed coup attempt in Benin on Sunday, calling it a grave violation of democratic principles.
AU Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Yousouf described the military action as unacceptable and warned of a worrying resurgence of unconstitutional changes across the continent.
AU rejects military interference
In a statement issued from Addis Ababa, Yousouf recalled the bloc’s longstanding frameworks against unconstitutional changes of government, including the 2000 AU Constitutive Act, the Lomé Declaration, the 2007 African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance, and the 2009 Ezulwini Framework.
He demanded that those involved immediately end all illegal activities, respect Benin constitution and return to barracks. The chairperson urged national stakeholders to choose dialogue and unity over confrontation.
Yousouf expressed deep concern at the growing number of military coups and attempted takeovers in the region, saying they undermine stability, erode public trust and embolden soldiers to overstep their mandate.
What happened in Cotonou?
Early Sunday morning a group of armed soldiers led by Lieutenant Colonel Pascal Tigri stormed the national television headquarters in Cotonou. They forced staff to broadcast a statement announcing the overthrow of President Patrice Talon, the suspension of the constitution, dissolution of institutions and closure of borders.
The mutineers cited deteriorating security in northern Benin, neglect of soldiers’ families, cuts to healthcare services, heavy taxation and shrinking political freedoms as justification.
Gunfire was heard near the presidential palace and explosions rocked parts of the city. A small number of journalists were briefly held hostage inside the television building.
By midday loyal troops had regained control. Interior Minister Alassane Seidou announced the coup had been foiled and several arrests made. Government spokesman Wilfried Leandre Houngbedji later confirmed 14 people were in custody, including a dismissed soldier.
President Talon addressed the nation in the evening, describing the plot as a “senseless adventure” and promising swift justice.
Regional and international reaction
West African bloc ECOWAS condemned the “subversion” and said a standby force from Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Ivory Coast and Ghana had been placed on alert. Nigeria called the incident a direct assault on democracy.
Neighbouring countries and Western embassies advised citizens to remain indoors while the situation unfolded. Calm returned to Cotonou by afternoon, with shops reopening.
Benin, long seen as a stable democracy in a volatile region, has not experienced a successful coup since the early 1990s. Talon, a cotton magnate elected in 2016 and re-elected in 2021, is due to step down after elections in April 2026.
The incident comes amid rising jihadist violence spilling south from the Sahel, with dozens of Beninese soldiers killed this year. Analysts say battlefield losses and perceived government indifference have fuelled discontent within the lower ranks.
The African Union reaffirmed full support for President Talon and pledged to work with regional partners to strengthen democratic institutions in Benin.
Agencies contributed to this report
