Loyalist Forces Thwart Military Mutiny
Benin’s government successfully foiled a military coup attempt early Sunday, December 7, 2025.
Loyalist troops intervened decisively after renegade soldiers temporarily seized national airwaves to announce they had ousted President Patrice Talon.
Interior Minister Alassane Seidou promptly appeared on state television to confirm the restoration of order, assuring citizens that the attempt to destabilize the state had been defeated.
Mutiny Unfolds Amid Gunfire and Hostage Reports
Earlier that morning, a faction of soldiers led by Lieutenant-Colonel Pascal Tigri declared the overthrow of the government and the suspension of the constitution.
Simultaneously, residents in the administrative capital, Cotonou, reported intense gunfire near the presidential residence.
Notably, the French Embassy issued alerts confirming armed clashes in the area.
Additionally, eyewitnesses informed the BBC that several journalists at the state broadcaster were briefly held hostage during the turmoil.
Government Asserts Control and Urges Calm
In response, the Beninese armed forces swiftly mobilized to counter the mutiny. “Faced with this situation, the Beninese armed forces and their leadership, true to their oath, remained committed to the republic,” stated Interior Minister Seidou.
He emphasized that their immediate actions allowed them to retain control and foil the attempt completely.
Following the statement, the government urgently urged the public to resume normal activities despite visible military patrols, roadblocks, and helicopters circling Cotonou.
International Reaction and Regional Context
Meanwhile, foreign embassies quickly activated safety protocols. The French and Russian embassies advised their citizens to stay indoors, while the U.S. Embassy warned against travel to Cotonou, particularly near the presidential compound.
Importantly, this Benin coup attempt occurs against a backdrop of regional instability. Just over a week prior, a coup deposed President Umaro Sissoco Embaló in nearby Guinea-Bissau.
In recent years, several West African nations, including Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger, have also experienced military takeovers, often followed by strengthened ties with Russia.
Political Background and Motives Behind the Attempt
The mutineers criticized President Talon’s leadership, pledging to usher in a “new era.”
However, Talon, a pro-Western ally and prominent cotton magnate, is currently serving his final term. He has already endorsed Finance Minister Romuald Wadagni as his successor for the April 2026 elections.
Although Talon has overseen economic growth, his administration faces accusations of suppressing opposition.
For instance, the electoral commission recently barred a leading opposition candidate from the upcoming ballot.
Stability Challenges in a West African Democracy
Ultimately, this event tests the resilience of one of West Africa’s longstanding democracies. Benin has recently contended with spreading jihadist violence from groups affiliated with Islamic State and al-Qaeda.
Moreover, the attempted takeover was celebrated by several pro-Russian online influencers, highlighting the geopolitical dimensions of regional unrest.
Nevertheless, the swift action by loyalist forces has, for now, preserved constitutional order in this key cotton-producing nation.
