Attempted coup in Benin: what happened in Cotonou this sunday
The government of Benin announced on Sunday morning that it had thwarted an attempted coup in Cotonou. Soldiers claiming to represent a group called the «Military Committee for Refoundation» (CMR) declared on national television that they had removed President Patrice Talon from office.
President Talon, who remains safe according to his close associates, is set to conclude his second term in April 2026 after two consecutive mandates. While his administration has been credited with economic growth, Benin continues to face security challenges, particularly from jihadist violence in the northern regions.
By midday Sunday, the situation in Cotonou remained tense. Gunfire was reported in the capital, and military personnel had sealed off access to the presidential palace. Despite the disruption, life in other parts of the city carried on as usual. Here’s what we know so far.
Who are the Military Committee for Refoundation?
Eight soldiers, wearing berets of varying colors and armed with assault rifles, appeared on national television as representatives of the CMR. They declared President Patrice Talon deposed and appointed a lieutenant colonel as the «CMR president».
The group cited multiple grievances to justify their actions, including:
- The worsening security situation in northern Benin
- Neglect of fallen soldiers and their families
- Unfair promotions within the military
- Perceived erosion of fundamental freedoms under the current government
The CMR also outlined social demands, framing their actions as a response to broader governance failures.
Government response and military control
The Beninese army did not support the coup attempt. Interior Minister Alassane Seidou later confirmed on television that the armed forces had remained loyal and successfully countered the maneuver. «The military hierarchy, true to their oath, upheld the republic,» he stated, adding that control over the situation had been restored.
An associate of President Talon told AFP that the president was safe and the army was regaining control of the city. «This is a small group attempting to seize control of the television. The regular army is restoring order. Cotonou and the entire country are secure,» the source explained.
Military personnel had blocked access to both the national broadcaster and the presidential palace. Key locations, including the Sofitel hotel and areas housing international institutions, were also cordoned off.
Cleanup operation underway
A military source told AFP that the situation was under control and the putschists had failed to capture the president’s residence or the presidential palace. «It’s only a matter of time before everything returns to normal. The cleanup is proceeding as planned,» the source added.
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) condemned the «unconstitutional act, which undermines the will of the Beninese people». The bloc reaffirmed its support for the government and people of Benin, pledging to take all necessary measures.
The African Union (AU) also strongly condemned the coup attempt, calling on the military to return to their barracks. In a statement shared on X, the AU urged all involved to «immediately cease illegal actions and return to their professional duties without delay».
Benin’s political landscape and Talon’s legacy
Benin, a country with a history of coups and attempted takeovers, has seen its democratic reputation challenged in recent years. President Patrice Talon, in office since 2016, is constitutionally barred from seeking a third term in 2026.
Critics argue that while his administration has driven economic progress, it has also embraced increasingly authoritarian measures. The main opposition party has been excluded from the upcoming election, which will feature the ruling party and a self-styled «moderate» challenger.
West Africa has experienced a wave of coups in recent years, including in Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger, Guinea, and most recently, Guinea-Bissau at the end of November.
