Benin’s President Patrice Talon has confirmed that the attempted military coup on Sunday has been fully thwarted, ensuring that the situation in the West African nation is “completely under control.” Calm has largely returned to Cotonou, the country’s administrative hub, although soldiers remain visibly present on the streets following sporadic gunfire the previous day.

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How the Coup Attempt Unfolded

Early Sunday, a group of soldiers calling themselves the Military Committee for Refoundation stormed the national television station and claimed they had seized power. The eight soldiers announced the removal of President Talon, the dissolution of the government, and the suspension of all state institutions.

In their televised statement, the coup plotters cited a deteriorating security situation in northern Benin and alleged neglect of fallen soldiers. They also appointed Lieutenant Colonel Pascal Tigri as head of the military committee.

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Government Response and Foiling the Coup

By Sunday afternoon, Interior Minister Alassane Seidou reported that Benin’s armed forces had successfully foiled the mutiny, describing it as an attempt by a small group of soldiers to destabilize the country.

President Talon later addressed the nation on state television, reassuring citizens:

“I would like to assure you that the situation is completely under control and therefore invite you to calmly go about your activities starting this very evening.”

Talon also pledged severe punishment for the coup plotters, emphasizing that such acts of treachery would not go unpunished.

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Regional Assistance: Nigeria Intervenes

The rapid mobilization of loyal troops was aided by neighboring Nigeria, which deployed fighter jets and ground forces at Benin’s request. Nigerian President Bola Tinubu praised his country’s military for supporting constitutional order in Benin and protecting the government upon request.

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Arrests and Casualties

A government spokesperson, Wilfried Leandre Houngbedji, confirmed that 14 people were arrested in connection with the coup attempt, though details about their identities, including that of Tigri, remain unclear.

President Talon extended his condolences to victims of the attempted coup and assured the public that efforts were underway to secure the safety of those held by fleeing mutineers.

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Regional and International Reactions

The attempted coup drew swift condemnation from regional and international organizations:

• African Union (AU): Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf condemned the coup as a “grave violation of the fundamental principles and values” of the AU.
• ECOWAS: The Economic Community of West African States strongly condemned the military action and announced plans to deploy regional troops, including personnel from Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Ivory Coast, and Ghana, to support Benin’s army.
• United Nations: Secretary-General Antonio Guterres denounced the coup, warning that it would further destabilize the region.

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Context: Benin’s Political Landscape

Benin, with a population of approximately 14 million, has a history of coups following its independence from France in 1960. Despite this turbulent history, the country has enjoyed uninterrupted democratic governance over the past two decades.

While Porto-Novo is the official capital, Cotonou serves as the largest city and administrative center, hosting the government and major institutions.

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Key Takeaways

• A small faction of soldiers attempted a coup in Benin but was swiftly neutralized by loyal military forces and regional assistance.
• Nigeria played a critical role in supporting President Talon’s government with air and ground forces.
• Regional and international organizations condemned the coup and pledged to maintain constitutional order.
• The failed coup highlights Benin’s ongoing commitment to democracy, despite past regional instability in West Africa.