Attempted Coup in Benin Republic: What We Know So Far

Benin Republic reportedly experienced an attempted coup on Sunday, 7 December 2025, after residents panicked over gunshots heard at Camp Guezo, near the residence of President Patrice Talon.

The French embassy advised its citizens to stay indoors while the situation was being clarified.

In the midst of the confusion, a group of soldiers appeared on state television claiming they had removed President Talon from office. The soldiers said they were acting under a new body they called the “Military Committee for Refoundation,” and identified Lieutenant Colonel Pascal Tigri as their leader. They reportedly announced the suspension of national institutions and the constitution.

Hours later, the Beninese government said the attempt had been foiled. The Interior Minister and other officials stated that loyal forces had restored control of major institutions, including the state broadcaster, and that order had returned to Cotonou.

Authorities also confirmed about 14 arrests connected to the plot. While details about the full chain of command remain unclear, officials described the coup attempt as the work of a small group without broad military backing.

Some international reports suggested that regional support may have been mobilised quickly to help preserve constitutional order, reflecting West Africa’s heightened sensitivity to coup risks after multiple takeovers in the region in recent years.

The attempted takeover comes at a politically delicate moment for Benin. The country is expected to hold presidential elections in April 2026, and Talon—who has been in power since 2016—has said he will not seek a third term.

Beyond the political calendar, the incident also spotlighted mounting security concerns in the north of Benin, where instability linked to Sahel spillover has been a growing worry. Analysts say these pressures, alongside internal military grievances and broader public anxiety about governance, form the backdrop to the latest unrest.

For now, Benin’s government insists the situation is under control, but the events of December 7 will likely intensify national debate about security reform, civil-military relations, and the stability of the country’s democratic transition ahead of 2026.