Military putsch attempt in Benin fails as government retains control

A group of soldiers claiming to represent the “Military Committee for Refoundation” (CMR) declared on Sunday morning that they had “removed President Patrice Talon from office” during a broadcast on national television in Benin. However, the signal was cut shortly afterward, and government officials swiftly denied the legitimacy of the announcement.

Within hours, a high-ranking source close to the presidency told Agence France-Presse (AFP) that President Talon was safe and that the regular armed forces had regained full control of the situation. “This is nothing more than a small group with access to television only. The legitimate army is in charge. The city of Cotonou and the entire country are fully secure,” the source stated.

security situation in Cotonou and international reactions

The French embassy in Cotonou issued a statement on X (formerly Twitter), reporting gunfire near the president’s residence and advising French citizens to remain indoors as a precautionary measure. A military official later confirmed that the situation was under control and that the mutineers had failed to seize either the president’s home or the presidential palace. “It’s only a matter of time before everything returns to normal. The cleanup operation is proceeding as planned,” the official added.

political context and Benin’s democratic record

Benin, a coastal West African nation with a robust economic growth trajectory, has faced sporadic jihadist violence in its northern regions. President Talon, in office since 2016, is constitutionally barred from seeking a third term and was set to step down in April 2026 after completing his second mandate. His administration has been credited with economic development but has also drawn criticism from opponents who accuse him of steering the country toward authoritarianism despite its past reputation for vibrant democracy.

The attempted coup comes amid a broader wave of political instability sweeping across West Africa. Since 2020, military juntas have taken power in Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger, and Guinea, while Guinea-Bissau experienced a similar crisis at the end of November 2025. These events underscore growing regional tensions and the persistent challenge of sustaining democratic governance in the face of security threats and political unrest.

As the dust settles, Benin’s government has reaffirmed its commitment to constitutional order, while regional and international actors continue to monitor the situation closely.