Cotonou, Benin — December 7, 2025: An attempted coup in Benin was reportedly thwarted early Sunday morning, according to the nation’s Interior Minister, Alassane Seidou. In a video posted on Facebook, Seidou confirmed that a small faction of soldiers attempted to destabilize the state but was swiftly countered by loyal members of the Beninese Armed Forces.

“In the early morning hours of Sunday, December 7, 2025, a small group of soldiers launched a mutiny aimed at destabilizing the state and its institutions,” Minister Seidou stated. “The Beninese Armed Forces, true to their oath, remained fully committed to the republic.”

Soldiers Claim Power on National Television

Earlier on Sunday, a group of soldiers, calling themselves the Military Committee for Refoundation, appeared on Benin’s state television claiming to have seized control. The group announced the removal of President Patrice Talon and all state institutions, appointing Lt. Col. Pascal Tigri as the head of the military committee.

Eyewitnesses reported hearing gunshots in Cotonou, the nation’s largest city, and noted that some journalists at the state broadcaster were briefly held hostage. The French Embassy confirmed the reports of gunfire near the president’s residence, while the Russian Embassy advised its citizens to remain indoors for safety. The U.S. Embassy also issued a warning for Americans to avoid the Cotonou area, particularly near the presidential compound.

President Patrice Talon Remains Safe

Despite the chaos, Talon is reportedly safe at the French Embassy, according to a presidential adviser who spoke to the BBC. Signal to state television and public radio, which had been cut off during the coup attempt, has since been restored. The current status of the coup organizers remains unclear.

Historical Context: Coups in Benin and West Africa

Benin, which gained independence from France in 1960, has a long history of military coups, particularly in its first three decades. Political stability has largely prevailed since 1991 following the two-decade rule of Marxist-Leninist leader Mathieu Kérékou.

The recent coup attempt is part of a broader trend of military interventions in West Africa. Last month, Guinea-Bissau experienced a military takeover that removed President Umaro Embalo after contested election results.

Regional and International Response

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) condemned the attempted coup, labeling it an unconstitutional act against the will of the Beninese people. “ECOWAS strongly condemns this unconstitutional move… We will support the government and people of Benin in all necessary measures to defend the Constitution and territorial integrity,” the bloc stated.

Political Implications in Benin

President Talon has been in power since 2016 and is scheduled to step down in April 2026 following the upcoming presidential election. Talon’s party has nominated former Finance Minister Romuald Wadagni as its candidate, while opposition figure Renaud Agbodjo was rejected by the electoral commission due to insufficient sponsorship.

Earlier this year, two associates of Talon were sentenced to 20 years in prison for their alleged involvement in a 2024 coup plot. Additionally, the Beninese legislature recently extended the presidential term from five to seven years while maintaining a two-term limit, signaling ongoing political maneuvering ahead of the next election.

Growing Concerns Over Regional Stability

The foiled coup in Benin underscores increasing political volatility in West Africa. With multiple countries experiencing military takeovers in recent months, analysts warn that such events may have long-term implications for democratic governance, regional security, and foreign investment in the region.