New Delhi: A faction of the Benin armed forces, calling themselves the Military Committee for Refoundation, barged into the office of the State broadcaster to declare a coup against Benin’s elected government early Sunday. This created fear and chaos among the public, but the armed forces’ swift response established law and order within hours.
Afterwards, President Patrice Talon, in a live conference, said, “I would like to reassure you that the situation is completely under control and, therefore, invite you to go about your business peacefully, this evening. I would like to commend the sense of duty demonstrated by our army and its leaders, who have remained loyal to the nation.”
Gunfire echoed on the premises of the presidential palace in Cotonou Sunday. Soldiers continue to patrol the streets of the administrative capital, though the situation has reportedly calmed down.
At least 14 mutineering soldiers have been placed under arrest. Yet, many others, including the alleged organisers, are reported to have fled Benin.
Though there have been no reported casualties, the status remains unclear. The president, meanwhile, has offered his condolences to the victims and those still with the fleeing mutineers.
How the coup attempt unfolded
Early Sunday, Lieutenant Colonel Pascal Tigri, a National Guard artillery officer, briefly appeared on State TV, claiming to have removed President Talon and dissolved state institutions.
“Benanese people, dear compatriots, on this day, Sunday, December seventh 2025, we, the Defence and Security Forces, after careful consideration, and to give our country a new direction, have decided to take our responsibilities, following the multiple failures of Mr Patrice Talon’s government,” it was declared.
Rebel soldiers cited northern Benin’s worsening security situation and the persistent neglect of their fallen comrades as their key grievances.
Before the national broadcast, the mutineers had led coordinated attacks on the presidential residence and the homes of other senior officials. However, they were largely unsuccessful in making any major gains due to the loyalist forces.
Cotonou, meanwhile, made an urgent request to Nigeria for military intervention. Nigerian fighter jets entered Benin’s airspace to target positions of the mutiny group. Nigerian troops also crossed the border to aid the West African nation’s forces.
On the same day, Talon-loyalist forces, along with the Nigerian soldiers, brought the situation under control. Investigations are still underway to determine the size of the network behind the plot.
Independent Benin’s short history
Benin is considered a model for democracy. Even though the country has faced a series of coup attempts since its Independence from France in 1960, none have been successful since 1972.
Over the past five years, the region has repeatedly witnessed military interventions against civilian governments, driven largely by rising public frustration with the elected leadership. This pattern has contributed to significant democratic backsliding.
Mali experienced two coups in 2020 and 2021, followed by Guinea in 2021, Burkina Faso in 2022, and Niger in 2023. Most recently, Guinea-Bissau joined this list last month after disputed election results triggered a military takeover.
(Edited by Madhurita Goswami)
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