On the morning of Sunday, December 7, a group of soldiers appeared on the national television of Bénin to announce they had removed President Patrice Talon from power. However, officials close to the head of state quickly dismissed the claim, asserting that the leader is safe and the regular army is regaining authority.

President Talon was preparing for a transition of power in this West African coastal nation, which boasts strong economic growth but faces increasing pressure from jihadist violence in its northern territories. The region has been destabilized by a series of military takeovers since 2020, affecting countries such as Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger, Guinée, and Guinée-Bissau.

The soldiers, identifying themselves as the “Military Committee for Refoundation” (CMR), broadcast their message of dismissal on the state-run channel before the signal was eventually cut later that morning.

Shortly after the broadcast, a source within the presidency confirmed that Patrice Talon was out of harm’s way. According to this source, the uprising was limited to a small faction that had only managed to seize the television station. They emphasized that the regular armed forces were restoring order and that the city of Cotonou and the rest of the country were secure.

The French Embassy issued a statement via X, reporting that gunfire had been heard near the President’s residence in Cotonou. They advised French nationals to remain at home as a safety precaution.

Military officials further clarified that the situation was “under control,” noting that the putschists had failed to capture either the presidential palace or the leader’s private home. They described the ongoing efforts as a necessary operation to fully restore stability.

Restricted access in key areas

By Sunday morning, military personnel had established cordons around the national television headquarters and the presidency. Access to certain districts, including the area surrounding the Sofitel hotel and neighborhoods housing international organizations, was restricted. Despite these localized blockades, the airport remained operational, and most residents of Cotonou continued their daily routines without military interference.

The political history of Bénin has been marked by various coup attempts. Patrice Talon, who assumed office in 2016, is currently serving the final year of his second term, the maximum allowed by the Constitution. While he is credited with significant economic advancements, his administration has faced criticism for an increasingly authoritarian stance in a nation once celebrated for its democratic health.