Benin coup attempt: what we know about the recent events

What exactly transpired in Bénin this Sunday morning? On December 7th, the Béninese government announced it had « thwarted » an attempted coup d’état in Cotonou. This declaration followed an earlier broadcast on state television where soldiers claimed to have removed President Patrice Talon from his position.

President Patrice Talon, whose safety was confirmed by his close associates, is scheduled to conclude his second and final term next April, preceding a presidential election. Bénin, a small West African coastal nation, has experienced robust economic growth, yet its northern region has been grappling with persistent jihadist violence.

By Sunday lunchtime, the situation in Cotonou remained unclear. Reports indicated gunfire in the economic capital, with military personnel restricting access to the presidential palace. Meanwhile, residents in other parts of the city continued their daily routines. Here’s what we know about the unfolding events.

The « military committee for refoundation » emerges

On Sunday morning, eight military officers, identified by their distinct berets and armed with assault rifles, appeared on Béninese television. They introduced themselves as the « military committee for refoundation » (CMR) and declared the removal of President Patrice Talon from power.

The group appointed a lieutenant-colonel as « president of the CMR » and provided several reasons for their attempted takeover. These included the « ongoing deterioration of the security situation in northern Bénin », a perceived « neglect of fallen soldiers and their abandoned families », and allegations of « unjust promotions at the expense of deserving personnel ».

Furthermore, they criticized what they termed a « disguised challenge to fundamental freedoms » by the current administration and articulated various social demands.

President secured, military blocks key areas

However, the Béninese army did not support the coup. Alassane Seidou, Bénin’s Interior Minister, later stated on television: « In response to this situation, the Béninese armed forces and their command, loyal to their oath, remained republican. Their swift action allowed them to maintain control and foil the maneuver. » These remarks came amidst reports from several witnesses to AFP of gunfire heard in Cotonou on Sunday.

Earlier that morning, sources close to President Talon informed AFP that he was safe and that the national army was re-establishing control over the city. A source commented, « This is a small faction of individuals who have only managed to seize the television station. The regular army is regaining control. Cotonou and the entire country are completely secured. »

An AFP journalist observed that military personnel had blocked access to both the national television station and the presidential office. Furthermore, entry to several key areas, including the Sofitel, a five-star hotel in the economic capital, and districts housing international institutions, was also restricted.

« cleanup » operations underway

A military source, quoted by AFP, confirmed that the situation was « under control » and that the coup plotters had failed to seize « neither the head of state’s residence » nor « the presidency of the Republic. » The source added, « It’s only a matter of time before everything returns to normal. The cleanup operation is progressing well. »

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) issued a statement strongly condemning « this unconstitutional act, which represents a subversion of the Béninese people’s will. » ECOWAS affirmed its commitment to « supporting the Béninese government and people through all necessary means. »

The African Union (AU) also released a statement on X, expressing its « firm and unequivocal condemnation » of the attempted coup and urging military personnel to return to their barracks. The AU further implored « all actors involved in the coup attempt to immediately cease all illegal actions » and « promptly resume their professional duties. »

President Talon’s administration and the shift towards authoritarianism

Bénin’s political history has been marked by numerous coups and attempted coups. Patrice Talon, who assumed power in 2016, is set to conclude his second term in 2026, which is the constitutional limit.

The primary opposition party has been excluded from the upcoming electoral contest, which will feature the ruling party against a so-called « moderate » opponent.

While widely credited for Bénin’s economic advancement, President Patrice Talon frequently faces accusations from critics of steering the nation towards authoritarianism, a country once celebrated for its vibrant democracy.

West Africa has witnessed a proliferation of coups d’état since the beginning of the decade, with incidents reported in Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger, Guinea, and most recently, in late November, in Guinea-Bissau.