Benin Coup Attempt Foiled: Soldiers Announce Talon’s Ouster on State TV, But Government Declares Situation Under Control
In a dramatic early-morning broadcast that sent shockwaves across West Africa, a group of soldiers seized Benin’s state television to declare the removal of President Patrice Talon and the dissolution of all government institutions.
However, hours later, the government announced the failed mutiny had been swiftly crushed, with loyalist forces regaining full control and the plotters “holed up” and being neutralized.
The self-proclaimed Military Committee for Refoundation (MCR), led by Lieutenant Colonel Pascal Tigri, appeared on national broadcaster ORTB around 9:00 GMT, citing grievances including poor governance, lack of transparency in public contracts, “crisogenic” laws, arbitrary arrests, and deteriorating security in the north. They announced:
Suspension of the Constitution and all state institutions
Closure of all borders
Ban on political parties
Talon’s immediate “removal from office”
The broadcast followed reports of gunfire near Camp Guézo in Cotonou, close to Talon’s residence, and an attempted assault on the presidential palace in Porto-Novo.
Witnesses described helicopters overhead and sporadic shooting in the port area.
Government Response: “Mutiny Thwarted”
By 11:09 GMT, Interior Minister Alassane Seidou addressed the nation from the same ORTB studio, declaring the coup “foiled” and the situation “under control.”
“In the early morning of Sunday, December 7, 2025, a small group of soldiers launched a mutiny with the aim of destabilizing the state and its institutions,” Seidou stated in a Facebook video.
“The mutineers are holed up. We are clearing them out, but it’s not over yet. We are safe.”
Finance Minister Romuald Wadagni echoed this, assuring the public that Talon and his family were secure, and loyal elements of the army and national guard had repelled the attackers. Government spokesperson Wilfried Houngbedji added: “Everything is fine.”
Foreign Minister Shegun Adjadi Bakari told Reuters the plot was contained, with most of the military remaining loyal.
Timeline of Events
Time (GMT)
Development
~05:00
Attack on Talon’s residence in Porto-Novo; gunfire reported in Cotonou.
09:00
MCR seizes ORTB, announces coup and measures.
09:00–11:00
French Embassy warns of shots near presidential area; helicopters spotted.
11:09
Interior Minister declares mutiny “échec” (foiled); loyalists retake TV studio.
Regional and International Reaction
ECOWAS: The Economic Community of West African States “strongly condemned” the “unconstitutional move,” vowing to defend democracy in Benin.
France: Advised citizens to stay indoors amid security concerns.
This marks Benin’s first major coup bid since the 1990s, when the country transitioned to democracy after a history of instability post-1960 independence.
Talon, a cotton magnate in power since 2016, recently announced he would not seek a third term ahead of April 2026 elections.
As of midday, streets in Cotonou appeared calm, but authorities urged vigilance while investigations into the “groupuscule” (small group) of plotters continue.
