Benin’s armed forces swiftly thwarted an attempted coup on Sunday, Interior Minister Alassane Seidou announced, after a small group of soldiers briefly took control of state television to claim they had seized power from President Patrice Talon.
The West African nation was thrown into brief turmoil when at least eight uniformed soldiers, some in helmets, appeared on national broadcaster ORTB to declare the dissolution of the government, the suspension of political parties, and the closure of borders. Led by Lieutenant Colonel Pascal Tigri, they styled themselves as the “Military Committee for Refoundation” (CMR) and promised a “new era” of fraternity, justice, and work for the Beninese people.
“A small group of soldiers launched a mutiny with the aim of destabilising the country and its institutions,” Seidou said in a statement. “Faced with this situation, the Beninese Armed Forces and their leadership maintained control of the situation and foiled the attempt.”
Foreign Minister Olushegun Adjadi Bakari told Reuters the plotters had only managed to control the TV station for a few minutes before the signal was cut. “There is an attempt, but the situation is under control. Now it’s a small group of military. A large part of the army is still loyalist, and we are taking over the situation,” he said.
The presidency confirmed Talon, who has ruled since 2016 and is set to step down in April after two terms, was safe. A presidential adviser told the BBC the leader had sought refuge at the French embassy in Cotonou amid the unrest. “This is a small group of people who only control the television,” the presidency told AFP. “The regular army is regaining control. The city and the country are completely secure.”
Gunfire was reported near Camp Guezo, close to the presidential residence, according to the French embassy. An AFP journalist in Cotonou observed soldiers blocking access to the presidency, state TV, a luxury hotel, and areas with international institutions. However, the airport remained open, and daily life continued normally in most parts of the city, with residents going about their routines.
International condemnations pour in
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) swiftly condemned the bid, pledging support for the government in restoring order. The African Union (AU) echoed the sentiment, with chairperson Mahmoud Ali Yousouf stating the bloc “strongly and unequivocally condemns” the attempt and reaffirms its backing for Talon.
“The African Union stands ready, in coordination with regional and international partners, to accompany the Government and People of Benin toward the full restoration of constitutional normalcy and the strengthening of democratic institutions,” Yousouf said.
Political tensions simmer
The foiled plot did not shock observers familiar with Benin’s political landscape. Adama Gaye, a former ECOWAS communications director, told Kenyan media it was unsurprising given rising tensions. He pointed to the imprisonment of opposition figures, including ex-President Boni Yayi, and Talon’s moves to sideline rivals ahead of his successor’s designation—likely his finance minister.
Talon’s decade in power has been marked by economic reforms but criticized for authoritarian tendencies, including crackdowns on dissent.
Wave of coups in West Africa
This incident adds to a troubling pattern of military interventions in the region, which has seen a resurgence of coups in recent years. Newsroom noted it revives West Africa’s “notoriety for coup plots and military takeovers.”
Just last month, Guinea-Bissau’s army ousted its government, installing General Horta Inta-A as head of a transitional regime—the ninth attempt since independence in 1974. In 2023, Gabon’s Brice Oligui Nguema toppled the long-ruling Bongo family, while Niger’s democratically elected Mohamed Bazoum was deposed by Abdourahamane Tchiani. Burkina Faso endured two coups in 2022, with Ibrahim Traore emerging as leader, and Mali’s 2020 putsch brought Assimi Goita to power.
As Benin stabilizes, questions linger about underlying grievances that could fuel future instability in this otherwise stable democracy.
