Benin coup attempt thwarted by soldiers loyal to the Republic, minister says
On Sun, Dec 7, 2025, an attempted coup in Benin was foiled, as announced by the country's interior minister, Alassane Seidou. A small faction of soldiers initiated a mutiny intending to destabilize the government and its institutions. The Beninese Armed…
On Sun, Dec 7, 2025, an attempted coup in Benin was foiled, as announced by the country's interior minister, Alassane Seidou. A small faction of soldiers initiated a mutiny intending to destabilize the government and its institutions. The Beninese Armed Forces and their leadership successfully maintained control and thwarted the attempt.
The mutinous group, identified as the Military Committee for Refoundation, declared the dissolution of the government on state television. They announced the removal of President Patrice Talon and the appointment of Lt. Col. Pascal Tigri as president of the military committee. Despite initial disruptions, the state television and public radio signals have been restored.
Context of West African Military Takeovers
This event is part of a series of military takeovers impacting West Africa. Recently, a military coup in Guinea-Bissau removed former President Umaro Embalo after a disputed election. The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has condemned these unconstitutional actions, emphasizing the need to uphold the constitution and territorial integrity of Benin.
On Sun, Dec 7, 2025, an attempted coup in Benin was foiled, as announced by the country's interior minister, Alassane Seidou.
President Talon, who has been in power since 2016, was set to step down in April following the presidential election. Former Finance Minister Romuald Wadagni is the favored candidate to succeed him, as opposition candidate Renaud Agbodjo was disqualified by the electoral commission.
In recent developments, Benin's legislature extended the presidential term from five to seven years while maintaining a two-term limit. Historically, Benin experienced several coups post-independence in 1960 but has been stable since 1991 under the leadership of Mathieu Kérékou.
Earlier this year, two associates of President Talon were sentenced to 20 years in prison for their involvement in an alleged coup plot in 2024.
Based on reporting by Africanews.
