Benin's President Talon thanks army leaders for "remaining loyal" in face of attempted coup
On Sun, Dec 6, 2025, Benin's President Patrice Talon expressed gratitude to army leaders for their role in thwarting an attempted coup. He stated that the mutineers would face consequences.
On Sun, Dec 6, 2025, Benin's President Patrice Talon expressed gratitude to army leaders for their role in thwarting an attempted coup. He stated that the mutineers would face consequences.
Earlier that day, a group identified as the Military Committee for Refoundation seized state television, declaring the government's dissolution. The interior minister later confirmed that the coup attempt had been unsuccessful.
In a national address, President Talon commended the military's loyalty and efforts in restoring order. He assured that measures would be taken to rescue hostages and expressed condolences to the victims of the incident. The number of casualties or hostages was not specified.
On Sun, Dec 6, 2025, Benin's President Patrice Talon expressed gratitude to army leaders for their role in thwarting an attempted coup.
Local reports indicate that thirteen soldiers were arrested, though it remains unclear if the coup leader, Lt Col Pascal Tigri, was among them. While some gunfire was reported and soldiers were visible in Cotonou, the capital remained relatively calm. State television and radio signals, initially disrupted, were later restored.
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) announced the deployment of forces from Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Ivory Coast, and Ghana to support Benin in maintaining constitutional order. ECOWAS condemned the coup attempt as a subversion of Benin's democratic will. Nigeria's President Bola Tinubu acknowledged the Nigerian armed forces' assistance in restoring the government.
Historical Context and Future Elections
Benin has experienced multiple coups since its independence in 1960 but has maintained political stability since 1991. President Talon, in office since 2016, is scheduled to step down following the presidential election next April. Former Finance Minister Romuald Wadagni is favored to succeed him, while opposition candidate Renaud Agbodjo was disqualified by the electoral commission. In January, two associates of Talon received 20-year prison sentences for an alleged 2024 coup plot. Recently, the presidential term was extended from five to seven years, maintaining a two-term limit.
Based on reporting by Africanews.
