The capital of Benin, Cotonou, witnessed a dramatic turn of events this past Sunday morning when a group of soldiers declared they had overthrown President Patrice Talon on national television. The government swiftly responded, claiming to have thwarted the attempted coup within hours, though sporadic gunfire and military roadblocks persisted into the afternoon.

According to military officials, the self-proclaimed « Committee for Military Refoundation » (CMR) announced Patrice Talon’s removal, citing escalating security crises in northern Benin, alleged neglect of fallen soldiers’ families, and accusations of unfair promotions within the armed forces. They also condemned what they described as a creeping erosion of fundamental freedoms under the current administration.

The Béninois government, however, dismissed the rebels’ claims as baseless. Interior Minister Alassane Seidou assured the public that the regular army remained loyal to the constitutional order and had reasserted control. « This was an isolated group without real authority, » an official close to President Talon told AFP. « The army is restoring order, and the country is secure. »

tightened security and international condemnation

Military personnel blocked access to key locations, including the presidential palace and the Sofitel hotel in Cotonou, where international institutions are based. A military source confirmed to AFP that a « cleanup operation » was underway, with rebels failing to seize either the president’s residence or government headquarters. « It’s only a matter of time before full order is restored, » the source stated.

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the African Union (AU) both condemned the coup attempt, calling it a violation of Benin’s democratic process. ECOWAS reaffirmed its support for the government, while the AU urged all involved to cease illegal actions immediately and return to their posts.

Benin’s political climate and talon’s legacy

Benin has a history of political instability, with multiple coups since independence. President Talon, who took office in 2016 and is nearing the end of his second term, has faced criticism for consolidating power and restricting opposition participation in upcoming elections. Though praised for economic growth, his administration has been accused of undermining the country’s once-vibrant democratic traditions.

The attempted coup comes amid broader unrest in West Africa, where military takeovers have occurred in Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger, Guinea, and most recently, Guinea-Bissau in late November.