Benin thwarted coup attempt against patrice talon

In a dramatic turn of events, Patrice Talon, the President of Bénin, narrowly escaped an attempted coup d’état on Sunday, December 7, 2025. A faction of mutinous soldiers briefly seized control of the national broadcaster, SRTB, in Cotonou, declaring the president deposed. However, loyalist forces swiftly regained control of key installations, including government buildings and strategic sites, restoring order by day’s end.

Eyewitnesses reported gunfire near the presidential residence in the Guézo district, where mutineers initially targeted high-ranking officials. While the president was quickly secured, the attack left one fatality: the wife of General Bertin Bada, the president’s military chief of staff, who was killed during the assault on their home in Abomey-Calavi. Their daughter was also injured in the crossfire.

Government response and arrests

Addressing the nation in a televised address, President Talon condemned the coup attempt as a «grave betrayal», vowing that those responsible would face justice. He confirmed that several individuals remained in custody, including mutineers and a former military officer. The government assured citizens of their safety while urging calm amid widespread rumors and misinformation circulating on social media.

The Minister of Interior, Alassane Seidou, stated that a «small group of soldiers» had orchestrated the rebellion to destabilize the state. He praised the military’s swift response, emphasizing their commitment to republican values. Meanwhile, the Foreign Minister, Olushegun Adjadi Bakari, reassured the public that the vast majority of troops remained loyal to the elected government.

Mutineers’ demands and failed takeover

According to military sources, the insurgents, allegedly led by Lieutenant-Colonel Pascal Tigri, attempted to seize key locations, including the presidential palace and the national television station. They proclaimed the establishment of a «Military Committee for Refoundation», suspending the constitution and declaring Talon’s removal. Their stated motives included dissatisfaction with governance, restrictions on political participation, and controversial legislative reforms.

However, their plans unraveled as loyalist forces launched a counteroffensive, securing the port area and presidential complex. Heavy exchanges of gunfire erupted around the marina, forcing the closure of major roads in Cotonou. The government requested military support from neighboring Nigeria, whose air and ground forces helped recapture the television station and a military camp held by the mutineers.

Regional condemnation and troop deployment

The attempted coup drew immediate condemnation from regional bodies. The African Union and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) denounced the attack on constitutional order, calling for the mutineers to stand down. ECOWAS announced the deployment of troops from Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Côte d’Ivoire, and Ghana to reinforce security in Bénin and prevent further instability.

Bénin’s fragile stability ahead of elections

The coup attempt comes at a critical juncture for Bénin, which has long been regarded as a bastion of stability in West Africa. With the presidential election scheduled for April 2026—marking the end of Talon’s second term—the nation faces mounting security and political challenges.

In the north, jihadist violence linked to Al-Qaeda has escalated, with 54 soldiers killed in an attack earlier this year. Domestically, Talon’s government has faced criticism over constitutional reforms, including the creation of a Senate and the extension of presidential and legislative terms from five to seven years. While the president remains barred from seeking re-election, the reforms have sparked controversy, particularly after the disqualification of the main opposition candidate.

As the government prepares for the transition, questions linger about the deeper motivations behind the coup attempt. Analysts suggest the mutineers may have been driven by political grievances or broader dissatisfaction within the military and political elite. The investigation continues, with authorities vowing to uncover all those involved.