Benin coup attempt: On 7 December 2025 a small group of soldiers launched a coup attempt in Benin, seizing state television and announcing a takeover. Loyalist forces intervened quickly, restored control, and confirmed President Patrice Talon remains safe.
Coup attempt, swift response, and government control
Early on 7 December 2025, a group of at least eight soldiers appeared on national television in Benin Republic claiming they had seized power inba Benin coup attempt. The group, calling itself the Military Committee for Refoundation (CMR) and led by Pascal Tigri (Lieutenant-Colonel), announced the removal of Patrice Talon from office, the dissolution of all state institutions, suspension of the constitution and political party activity, and closure of Benin’s air, land and maritime borders.
In the broadcast addressed to the nation, the soldiers declared their vision for “a truly new era, where fraternity, justice and work prevail.”
According to later statements by the government, however, the Benin coup attempt was quickly reversed.
Government response and loyalist intervention
Shortly after the Benin coup attempt announcement, the signal to the state broadcaster was cut – a move the government describes as limiting the coup plotters’ reach.
Olushegun Adjadi Bakari, the Foreign Minister of Benin, told news agencies that only a “small group” of soldiers attempted the coup, and that most of the national armed forces remained loyal. “There is an attempt, but the situation is under control,” he said.
Similarly, the presidency declared that the regular army and national guard had regained control of seized facilities, including the national broadcaster. The office emphasized that the country – its capital and other cities – was now secure.
Reports of gunfire around the residence of President Talon – especially near the military base at Camp Guézo – prompted foreign embassies to urge their citizens to stay indoors.
The broader picture, as of mid-day Sunday, is that while the Benin coup attempt plotters briefly controlled state media, they failed to secure wider support, and loyalist forces re-established order.
Context: why now?
The Benin coup attempt comes against the backdrop of rising political tension in Benin. President Talon – in power since 2016 – was scheduled to step down after his second term in April 2026, with a presidential election ahead.
Observers note that the takeover attempt in Benin is part of a recent wave of military interventions across West and Central Africa.
According to critics, the political environment has sharpened in recent months amid constitutional changes, restrictions on opposition parties, and disqualification of some opposition candidates – developments that may have contributed to discontent among fringe military factions.
What this means for Benin and the region
For now, the legitimate government appears firmly in control: President Talon is reportedly safe, and national institutions remain intact.
The quick collapse of the plot suggests the attempted takeover lacked widespread military support – limiting its reach beyond state broadcast infrastructure.
Yet, the incident highlights deeper fractures: political unrest, dissatisfaction among dissident soldiers, and the fragility of stability even in countries considered relatively democratic.
Regionally, the failed coup reinforces concerns about a growing “coup belt” – where several West and Central African nations have experienced military takeovers since 2020. Benin’s attempt follows closely on a successful coup in Guinea-Bissau.
What to watch next
Authorities have not yet released full details about the identity or fate of the coup plotters. Analysts will also be watching for reactions from regional blocs such as ECOWAS, as well as diplomatic responses from major foreign partners.
Additionally, with elections scheduled for April 2026, the episode may increase tension and suspicion around upcoming political contests – especially if perceptions of exclusion, repression or lack of fairness persist.
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