A failed coup attempt in Benin was revealed by the country’s interior minister through a video on Facebook. Alassane Seidou disclosed that a small faction of soldiers initiated a mutiny early on Sunday, December 7, 2025, with the goal of destabilizing the government and its institutions. Despite this, the Beninese Armed Forces, in line with their commitment to the republic, thwarted the attempt.
Earlier that day, a group identifying themselves as the Military Committee for Refoundation took over Benin’s state television to declare the dissolution of the government in what seemed to be a coup, a recurring occurrence in West Africa. The group announced the ousting of the president and all state entities, appointing Lt. Col. Pascal Tigri as the head of the military committee.
Benin, post its independence from France in 1960, experienced several coups, particularly in the years following its independence. The country achieved political stability since 1991 after the end of Mathieu Kérékou’s rule. Gunshots near the presidential residence raised concerns about President Patrice Talon’s safety, with no official updates on his status. However, the signals to state television and public radio, which were initially disrupted, have now been restored.
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) denounced the brief coup, labeling it unconstitutional and against the will of the Beninese people. The regional bloc vowed to assist the government and citizens in safeguarding the constitution and territorial integrity of Benin. Talon, in power since 2016, was set to step down next April after the upcoming presidential election.
The ruling party’s candidate, former finance minister Romuald Wadagni, is the leading contender for the election victory. Meanwhile, opposition candidate Renaud Agbodjo faced disqualification by the electoral commission due to insufficient sponsorship. In a separate incident, two of Talon’s associates were sentenced to 20 years in prison earlier this year for their alleged involvement in a coup plot in 2024.
Recently, Benin’s legislature extended the presidential term from five to seven years while maintaining the two-term limit. This coup follows a series of military takeovers in West Africa, including a recent coup in Guinea-Bissau that ousted former president Umaro Embalo after a disputed election where both he and the opposing candidate claimed victory.
