What transpired in Bénin early Sunday morning? The government confirmed this December 7th that it had thwarted an attempted coup d’état in Cotonou after soldiers seized control of state television to announce the removal of President Patrice Talon from office.
Patrice Talon, who remains safe according to close associates, is set to conclude his second term in April 2025 following a presidential election. His tenure has been marked by robust economic growth in this West African nation, though stability has been challenged by escalating jihadist violence in the northern regions.
By midday Sunday, the situation in Cotonou remained fluid. Gunfire echoed through the capital, and soldiers had cordoned off key areas, including the presidential palace. Elsewhere in the city, daily life continued as residents carried on with routine activities. Here’s what we know so far.
Who were the alleged coup leaders?
Eight soldiers, wearing berets in varying colors and armed with assault rifles, appeared on national television claiming to represent the « Military Committee for Refoundation » (Comité Militaire pour la Refondation, CMR). They declared the removal of President Patrice Talon and installed a lieutenant colonel as « president of the CMR ».
The group cited security deterioration in northern Bénin, neglect of fallen soldiers and their families, and unfair promotions within the military as justification for their actions. They also accused the government of undermining fundamental freedoms while advancing social demands.
Government response and ongoing operations
The Béninois armed forces did not align with the mutineers. Interior Minister Alassane Seidou later confirmed on television that the military remained loyal to the republic, successfully neutralizing the threat. His statement followed reports of gunfire heard in Cotonou that morning.
Close associates of President Talon assured reporters that he was safe and that the regular army was regaining control. « This is a small group acting purely through media manipulation. The legitimate army is restoring order. Cotonou and the country are fully secure », a source told AFP.
Access to the national broadcaster and presidential palace was restricted by soldiers, and key locations—including the Sofitel hotel and areas housing international institutions—were placed under lockdown.
Regional condemnation and next steps
A military source told AFP that the situation was « under control », with putschists failing to seize the presidential residence or the republic’s administrative headquarters. « It’s only a matter of time before full order is restored. The cleanup operation is proceeding as planned », the source added.
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) condemned the unconstitutional act as a betrayal of the Béninois people’s will, pledging full support to the government and population. The African Union (AU) also issued a strong denunciation, urging all involved to immediately cease illegal actions and return to their duties.
Talon’s legacy and regional context
Bénin has a history of coups and coup attempts. Patrice Talon, in office since 2016, is approaching the end of his second term—the maximum allowed under the constitution.
His administration has faced criticism from opponents who accuse him of steering the country toward authoritarianism, despite progress in economic development. The region has seen a surge in military takeovers in recent years, including Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger, Guinea, and most recently, Guinea-Bissau in late November.