Benin’s government says it has successfully thwarted an attempted military coup, after a small faction of soldiers tried to seize power early Sunday. According to Interior Minister Alassane Seidou, loyal members of the armed forces rapidly regained control, preventing what he described as an effort to “destabilize national institutions.”

Small Group of Soldiers Led Failed Coup Attempt

Seidou announced that a “small group of soldiers” attempted a mutiny aimed at overthrowing the government. However, top military leadership and the majority of the armed forces remained loyal to President Patrice Talon, ensuring that the coup attempt was contained quickly.

The attempted takeover became public when a group of soldiers — at least eight, led by Lieutenant Colonel Pascal Tigri — briefly appeared on state television, declaring that they had removed President Talon from power. They also claimed to have closed borders and suspended all political parties under a self-declared “Military Committee for Refoundation (CMR).”

The statement broadcast on air pledged to usher in “a new era where fraternity, justice, and work prevail.”

Government: ‘Situation Under Control’

Benin’s foreign minister, Olushegun Adjadi Bakari, told Reuters that while the coup plotters briefly seized the national TV station, the government never lost broader control.

“There is an attempt, but the situation is under control,” Bakari said. “A large part of the army remains loyal, and we are taking over the situation.”

The president’s office later confirmed that President Patrice Talon is safe, and that loyalist forces have secured major state institutions.

Tense Scenes in Cotonou, But City Remains Calm

In Cotonou, reports emerged of security forces blocking access to key locations including the presidency, state TV headquarters, several high-security zones, and a major hotel. The French Embassy noted hearing gunfire near Camp Guezo, close to the presidential residence.

Despite these flashes of tension, an AFP correspondent reported that much of the city remained calm. No military presence was observed at the airport, and residents continued with daily activities.

Photos from the capital showed motorists and pedestrians moving through intersections while rumors of a coup spread across the city.

International Community Condemns Coup Plot

International and regional bodies quickly denounced the attempted coup.

• ECOWAS issued a firm condemnation, expressing support for Benin’s government and efforts to restore full order.
• The African Union (AU) echoed the condemnation, with AU Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Yousouf calling the coup attempt unacceptable and reaffirming continental support for President Talon and constitutional rule.

The AU also emphasized readiness to support Benin in maintaining stability and strengthening democratic institutions.

Political Tensions Rise Ahead of Talon’s Departure

President Talon, who has led Benin since 2016, is expected to step down next April after completing two terms. Analysts say rising political tensions may have contributed to the unrest.

Adama Gaye, a former ECOWAS communications director, noted that opposition figures have faced arrests or political pressure in recent years, including former President Boni Yayi. Gaye added that Talon’s chosen successor — his finance minister — has stirred additional political friction.

West Africa Continues to Face Wave of Coups

Benin’s failed coup comes amid a troubling resurgence of military takeovers across West Africa and the Sahel.

Recent coups in the region include:

• Guinea-Bissau (2025) – Military seized power, marking the country’s ninth coup attempt since 1974.
• Gabon (2023) – Military ousted President Ali Bongo after decades of family rule.
• Niger (2023) – President Mohamed Bazoum overthrown by his own presidential guard.
• Burkina Faso (2022) – A second coup in one year saw Captain Ibrahim Traoré take control.
• Mali (2020) – Colonel Assimi Goïta led a coup that reshaped the country’s political landscape.

Al Jazeera correspondent Ahmed Idris noted that the region is slowly regaining its reputation as a hotspot for coups and political instability.