Bénin’s presidency asserts control amid reported coup attempt

On the morning of Sunday, December 7, military personnel in Bénin announced on state television that they had “removed from office” President Patrice Talon. However, sources close to the president quickly affirmed his safety and stated that the national army was re-establishing command.

President Talon was slated to conclude his term in this small West African coastal nation, known for its robust economic growth but also for rising jihadist violence in its northern regions, ahead of a presidential election scheduled for April. The broader West African region has witnessed a series of recent coups since the start of the decade, impacting countries such as Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger, Guinea, and most recently, Guinea-Bissau in late November.

On Sunday, a military faction identifying itself as the “Comité militaire pour la refondation” (CMR) declared on Béninese public television that it had “dismissed” Patrice Talon. The broadcast signal for the state channel was subsequently cut later that morning.

Shortly after these military declarations, a source within Patrice Talon’s inner circle confirmed that the president was secure and that the regular army was regaining control. “This involves a small group of individuals who only control the television. The regular army is taking back control. The city (Cotonou) and the country are completely secured,” the source stated.

The French Embassy reported on X (formerly Twitter) on Sunday morning that “gunshots were reported near the residence of the President of the Republic” in Cotonou, urging French citizens to remain indoors “as a precautionary measure.”

A military source further corroborated that the situation was “under control,” confirming that the attempted putschists had failed to seize “neither the Head of State’s residence” nor “the Presidency of the Republic.” “It’s only a matter of time before everything returns to normal. The clearing operation is progressing well,” the source added.

access restrictions in Cotonou

On Sunday morning, a journalist observed that access to the national television station and the presidential palace in Cotonou was blocked by military personnel. Entry to several other areas, including the Sofitel, a five-star hotel in the economic capital, and districts housing international institutions, was also restricted. However, no military presence was reported at the airport or in the rest of the city, where residents continued their daily routines undisturbed.

Bénin’s political history has been marked by numerous coups and attempted coups. Patrice Talon, who assumed power in 2016, is set to complete his second term in 2026, which is the maximum allowed by the Constitution. The primary opposition party has been effectively sidelined from the upcoming electoral race, leaving the contest between the ruling party and a so-called “moderate” opposition figure.

While Patrice Talon has received commendation for Bénin’s economic advancement, critics frequently accuse him of steering the nation towards an authoritarian stance, a stark contrast to its past reputation as a beacon of democratic vitality.