COTONOU, Benin -- A coup attempt that was announced in Benin on Sunday has been officially declared “foiled,” according to a statement from the interior minister. In a video shared on Facebook, Alassane Seidou reported that the events unfolded in the early morning of December 7, 2025, when a small group of soldiers attempted a mutiny aimed at destabilizing the state and its institutions. Seidou emphasized that the Beninese Armed Forces and their leadership demonstrated unwavering commitment to the republic in response to this crisis.
Earlier in the day, a faction of soldiers appeared on Benin’s state television to announce the dissolution of the government, marking an apparent coup. This group, self-identified as the Military Committee for Refoundation, declared the removal of the sitting president and all state institutions. Among their announcements, they appointed Lt. Col. Pascal Tigri as the president of the military committee.
Since gaining independence from France in 1960, Benin has experienced a series of coups, particularly during the turbulent decades following its independence. However, since 1991, the country has enjoyed a period of relative political stability, particularly after the two-decade leadership of Marxist-Leninist Mathieu Kérékou. This recent coup attempt raises questions about the current political climate in Benin.
As of now, there has been no official update regarding President Patrice Talon, who has been in power since 2016 and was set to step down next April following the presidential election. The situation escalated when gunshots were reported around the presidential residence, and subsequently, the signal to state television and public radio was cut off after the military's announcement.
President Talon’s party had put forward former Finance Minister Romuald Wadagni as a candidate, who was considered the favorite for the upcoming election. However, opposition candidate Renaud Agbodjo faced rejection from the electoral commission, which cited insufficient sponsor support. This political tension comes on the heels of a January court ruling that sentenced two associates of Talon to 20 years in prison for an alleged coup plot aimed at 2024, further complicating the political landscape.
This coup attempt in Benin is part of a larger trend of military takeovers that have been shaking West Africa. Just last month, a military coup in Guinea-Bissau resulted in the ousting of former President Umaro Embalo after a contentious election where both he and his opposition claimed victory. The situation in Benin will be closely monitored as it unfolds, highlighting the ongoing challenges of governance and political stability in the region.
Adetayo reported from Lagos, Nigeria.