Patrice Talon, President of Republic of Benin, has publicly expressed gratitude to the country’s armed‑forces leadership after what government sources say was a foiled coup attempt on December 7, 2025.
Earlier in the day, a small group of soldiers identifying themselves as the Military Committee for Refoundation seized control of state television announcing the dissolution of government institutions, suspension of the constitution, and the closure of the country’s borders. They named Pascal Tigri (Lt‑Col) as head of the committee.
However, loyalist units responded swiftly. The country’s Beninese Armed Forces mobilised, regained control of seized installations, restored broadcast signals, and reestablished order in major centres, including the capital Cotonou. The government, via Interior Minister Alassane Seidou, declared the coup attempt “foiled.”
In a televised address Sunday evening, Talon thanked the “republican and loyal” officers and soldiers who acted to defend constitutional order. He said the coup which he described as “treachery” would not go unpunished, and pledged efforts to rescue any remaining hostages. According to local media, 13 soldiers have been detained so far, though it remains unclear whether the alleged ringleader was among them.
The episode has triggered regional alarm. The ECOWAS (Economic Community of West African States) condemned the attempt and pledged support for Benin’s constitutional order. Under the terms of a request from Cotonou, ground and air support from neighbouring countries including deployment of Nigerian troops helped dislodge the mutineers.
This marks a stark reminder that even in one of West Africa’s more stable democracies, democratic institutions remain vulnerable especially at sensitive moments, with elections on the horizon and simmering dissatisfaction among certain military factions.
