Cotonou, Benin — In a tense turn of events on Sunday, December 7, 2025, a coup attempt in Benin was foiled, according to the country’s Interior Minister, Alassane Seidou. Speaking in a video shared on Facebook, Seidou confirmed that a small group of soldiers had launched a mutiny in an attempt to destabilize the state and overthrow the government.
“In the early morning of Sunday, December 7, 2025, a small group of soldiers launched a mutiny with the aim of destabilizing the state and its institutions,” Seidou said in the video. “Faced with this situation, the Beninese Armed Forces and their leadership, true to their oath, remained committed to the republic.”
Earlier in the day, a group of soldiers appeared on Benin’s state television and announced the dissolution of the government, claiming they had taken control of the country. The soldiers, calling themselves the “Military Committee for Refoundation,” declared that President Patrice Talon had been removed from power and all state institutions had been dissolved.
The military junta appointed Lt. Col. Pascal Tigri as the new president of the country. The announcement was accompanied by reports of gunshots heard around the presidential residence, leading to fears that President Talon’s safety might be in jeopardy. However, despite these developments, official sources did not confirm any change in the president’s status.
As tensions mounted, state television and public radio were briefly taken off the air, fueling further uncertainty. However, the signal to both state media outlets was later restored, signaling that control over the country’s communications had been regained by loyalist forces.
Military Tensions in West Africa
Benin’s attempted coup is the latest in a series of military takeovers that have plagued the West African region in recent years. Neighboring countries like Mali, Burkina Faso, and Guinea have also witnessed military uprisings, raising concerns about growing instability in the region. While coups were once rare in Benin, this latest incident reflects a broader trend of military discontent in West Africa.
The foiled coup in Benin follows heightened political tensions under President Patrice Talon’s administration, which has faced criticism for authoritarian measures and repression of opposition voices. Talon, who has been in power since 2016, has overseen significant political and economic reforms but has also faced criticism for curbing democratic freedoms and opposition activities.
As of now, there has been no official word on the whereabouts or condition of President Talon, though his government appears to have regained control of key institutions. Benin’s military forces, loyal to the republic, seem to have successfully neutralized the coup attempt and restored order.
While the immediate danger has passed, Benin faces an uncertain future. The country’s political stability, which has long been a model for the region, has been shaken by this military mutiny. The international community will be closely monitoring the situation, with neighboring African leaders and Western powers calling for a return to stability and democracy.
The Beninese people, who have enjoyed relative peace and democracy in recent years, now face a critical moment in their country’s history. How the government responds in the coming days—and how the military mutineers are held accountable—will be pivotal in determining the future course of the nation’s political landscape.
For now, the country’s authorities appear to have regained control, but questions remain about the long-term security of President Talon’s administration and the stability of Benin as a whole.
